Unnamalai

Unnamalai is the presiding goddess of the Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, and the consort of Annamalaiyar (Shiva as the cosmic fire linga). She represents the feminine aspect of the sacred Arunachala hill, embodying the divine mother Parvati in her role as the consort of the supreme lord. According to the *Shiva Purana* (Kotirudra Samhita, chapter on Arunachala), the hill itself is a manifestation of Shiva, and Unnamalai is the inseparable Shakti who resides with him. The *Arunachala Mahatmya*, a section of the *Skanda Purana*, elaborates on her significance, describing how Parvati assumed the form of Unnamalai to remain eternally united with Shiva at this sacred site. Her name is derived from Tamil: 'Unna' (to be) and 'Malai' (hill), meaning 'the one who is the hill' or 'she who resides on the hill.' Iconographically, Unnamalai is depicted seated on a lion, her vahana, holding a trishula and a lotus, with a serene and motherly expression.

The trishula symbolizes her power over the three gunas, the lotus represents purity and spiritual awakening, and the lion signifies her fierce protective aspect. The principal myth associated with Unnamalai is the manifestation of Shiva as a column of fire (Arunachala) to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, as narrated in the *Shiva Purana*. Parvati, desiring to be with Shiva, took the form of Unnamalai and merged with the hill, making the temple a site of cosmic union. The Kartigai Deepam festival, celebrated on the full moon of the Tamil month Kartigai (November–December), is the most important event at Tiruvannamalai. During this festival, a giant lamp is lit atop Arunachala, symbolizing Shiva's fiery form, and Unnamalai is honored as the goddess who witnesses this divine light.

Regional worship traditions emphasize her role as a bestower of blessings and liberation; devotees circumambulate the hill (girivalam) while chanting her name. In Hindu cosmology, Unnamalai represents the Shakti of Arunachala, the static and dynamic aspects of the divine. She is worshiped as the mother who grants moksha, and her temple is one of the foremost Shakti peethas in South India. The *Devi Mahatmya* (though not directly about her) is often recited during Navaratri, which is also celebrated here with great fervor. Unnamalai's presence underscores the non-dual nature of Shiva and Shakti, making Tiruvannamalai a center for both Shaiva and Shakta traditions.

Seated on lion. Holds trishula and lotus. Serene, motherly expression.