Thiruvannamalai Girivalam – Importance of Girivalam at Arunachaleswarar Temple at Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai Girivalam (going around the Hill) is undertaken around the Holy Arunachalam Hill which is worshipped as Shiva and is associated with the famous Arunachaleswarar Temple at Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The unique feature here is that the entire hill is worshiped as Shiva.

The entire circumambulation path is 14 kilometers. The holy hill is 2668 feet high. Thiruvannamalai Girivalam is usually performed on the full moon day or Purnima. The Girivalam can be performed during day and night.

The Holy Hill was Agni (fire) during Kritya Yuga; Manikkam (Emerad) during Treta Yuga; Pon (Gold) during Dwapar Yuga and is Kallu (Rock) during Kali Yuga (the present age).

Eight Shivlings are located around the Hill and the eight Shiva Lingams are:

Indra Lingam,

Agni Lingam,

Yama Lingam,

Niruthi Lingam,

Varuna Lingam,

Vayu Lingam,

Kubera Lingam and

Esanya Lingam.

An ancient temple known as Adi Annamalai Temple is also located on the Girivalam path.

The hill is also abode of several Siddhars – self realized souls.