Pachaiamman Kovil, Thiruvannamalai

Pachaiamman Kovil or Pachaiamman Koil is an ancient temple that is situated on the outskirts of Thiruvannamalai. The temple is believed to be at least 1000 years old although its present structure is only 120 years old. The Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple in the form of Pachaiamman.

This form of the Goddess is believed to have been created to build peace and unanimity in the world. The temple is also known as the place where Sri Ramana Maharishi took refuge for six months in the year 1905, when a plague broke out in Thiruvannamalai. The Maharishi escaped the infection after relocating to the temple from the Virupaksha Cave.

The temple is visited by people who walk the Pradakshina or the sacred path followed by the saints. The temple is on the Inner Path and is not accessible via the Outer Path. After the Maharishi went back to the Virupaksha Cave, he would regularly visit the temple for oil baths.