Arni otherwise spelled Arani, also Periya Arani is a town and a municipality in Tiruvanamalai district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The name comes from the word A"ranyam" which means a place surrounded by forest. Arani is known for its rich history - a Fort and few palaces, ancient Hindu temples and Jain centres stand today as a testimony. For more than thirty years, Arani, Polur, Cheyyar, Vandavasi people have been demanding the creation of a new district headed by Arani.