The Ner Annamalai temple is found on the outer girivalam path about 1 km after the Shanthimalai ashram. It is located on a charming hillock just bordering the forest leading to the inner path.The shrine earns its name because the deity Annamlai inside faces the Arunachala hilltop directly (Ner in tamil means straight or direct). The temple mandapam is a hallowed spot for the sadhus and they gather here almost daily to sing and chant verses in praise of Arunachala.

The Arunachala sthala purana (verse 392) hails this temple as being the reason for the giripradakshina practice. According to legend,  Parvathi at one time having lost the favour of Shiva comes here as Unnamulai Amman and performs penance to regain the favour of her Lord. But still the Lord refuses to appear. Undaunted she starts to walk around the hill barefoot (giripradakshina) and it is at this spot that the Lord appears and re-unites with her. And thus the first giripradakshina was performed by the Divine Mother Herself!

On Karthigai Deepam day, simultaneously with the lighting of the Holy Beacon on the Mountain, a Deepam is always lit in this shrine also, to the loud chantings of Annamalaiyarukku Haro Hara. Twice in the year, on the auspicious day of Tamil New Year in April and then on the sacred day Krishna Jayanthi in August, the Sun rises directly in front of this temple and shines his rays fully on the Annamalaiyar Lingam inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. Behind the temple is an enormous Theertham with a great sunset view.

There is also a shrine to the Goddess UnnamulaiAmman beside the Lord’s shrine. Inside there is a very lovely statue of the Goddess where she stands gracefully, beaming at her devotees with infinite compassion. The Alamkaram to the Goddess are of particular beauty and taste and one cannot but stop and admire her royal attire and adornments as one passes by even on a daily walk…

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