Pradakshina, the act of walking in a circular path around a sacred object, is a deeply revered practice in Hinduism. In Tiruvannamalai, this practice, known as Girivalam, involves circumambulating the sacred Arunachala Hill. This 14-kilometer journey is undertaken with deep reverence, as devotees believe that walking around the hill during the full moon (Pournami) amplifies the spiritual benefits.

What is Girivalam?

Girivalam, also known as Giripradakshina, refers to the circumambulation of Arunachala, a holy mountain in Southern India. Thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of pilgrims from around India and the world come to Tiruvannamalai each month to complete this 14-kilometer circuit. Traditionally, Girivalam is performed slowly and without shoes, keeping the hill to one’s right side. According to scriptures, it is best to undertake this journey freshly bathed, dressed in white, and with focus on Shiva in the form of Arunachaleshwarar, the lord of the mountain.

The Significance of Arunachala

Arunachala translates to "red hill" and is also known as the "Hill of the Holy Beacon," the "Hill of the Holy Fire," and the "Hill of Wisdom." According to an ancient legend narrated in the Puranas, Arunachala is the physical form of the Hindu deity Shiva, who took this form to settle a battle of ego between Vishnu and Brahma. It is also believed that Arunachala is the spiritual center of the Earth, more ancient than the Himalayas, and the dwelling place of timeless saints, sages, and yogis.





Story of Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple

The Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams and manifests the element of fire (Agni). The Lingam here is referred to as Agni Lingam. Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a massive column of fire, whose beginning and end could not be found by Brahma and Vishnu. The presiding deity is Arunachaleshwara or Annamalaiyar (Lord Shiva), with his consort Goddess Parvathi depicted as Unnamalai Amman (Apitakuchambaal). The temple is renowned for its grandeur, spiritual heritage, and festivals.




Benefits of Performing Girivalam

Performing Girivalam during the Pournami in Tiruvannamalai is believed to offer numerous spiritual benefits:

- Spiritual Cleansing: Circumambulation helps in purifying the mind and soul, washing away sins and negative karma.

- Inner Peace: The meditative nature of the walk promotes inner peace and mental clarity.

- Divine Connection: Walking around the sacred Arunachala Hill enhances one’s connection with the divine, fostering spiritual growth.

The Significance of the Full Moon (Pournami)

The full moon (Pournami) is a crucial aspect of Girivalam. It is believed that the spiritual energy of Arunachala Hill peaks during the full moon, making it the most auspicious time for Pradakshina. Lord Shiva is said to have established himself as ‘Jyotirlinga’ in a sacred hill behind the temple. The sacred hill, almost 2668 feet high, is considered Lord Annamalaiyar himself. Performing Girivalam every full moon day is regarded as an auspicious spiritual activity, carried out along a 14-kilometer path. Each full moon day sees thousands of devotees circumambulating the Hill, seeking peace of mind and good health. The holy walk is also believed to relieve devotees from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Among all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva’s manifestations, the Arunachala Temple is considered the most sacred. The Agni Lingam in the temple symbolizes self-sacrifice, liberation, duty, and virtue. The Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple is one of the four sacred places revered for obtaining salvation, as mentioned in Hindu sacred texts. Worshipping Lord Arunachaleswarar is believed to grant salvation (Ninaithale Mukthi Tharum Thiruthalam).





Arunachala is often likened to a magnet. Once you visit, you feel compelled to return again and again. Indeed, it holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, drawing them back with its spiritual magnetism.


Source / Image Credit : Behind Every Temple , Medium, arunachalarts