What Is Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina — also called Girivalam or Giripradakshina — is the sacred practice of circumambulating Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. In Sanskrit, Giri means hill and Pradakshina means walking in a clockwise direction around a sacred object. Together, they describe one of the most spiritually profound pilgrimages in all of India.
The route circles the base of Arunachala, a hill revered as a living manifestation of Lord Shiva himself — not a symbol of Shiva, but Shiva in his fiery form (Agni). Walking around this sacred hill is considered equivalent to worshipping Lord Shiva directly, and the practice draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year, particularly on full moon nights.
Arunachalam Temple Timings 2026: Daily Darshan, Pooja Schedule, Abhishekam & Opening Hours
The Spiritual Significance of Giri Pradakshina
The importance of this pilgrimage is rooted deep in Hindu scripture and the teachings of sages. According to Puranic tradition, when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once competed to find the beginning and end of Shiva’s manifestation as an infinite column of fire, they could not. That divine fire column is said to have finally settled as the Arunachala Hill — making the hill itself the most sacred Shiva Lingam in existence.
Performing Giri Pradakshina around Arunachala is therefore understood as performing parikrama around every Shiva temple in the universe simultaneously.
The revered sage Ramana Maharshi, who spent his life at Arunachala, regarded Girivalam as the highest form of worship of the hill. He described Arunachala as the spiritual heart of the world and often performed the pradakshina in silence, bare-footed, as a deep meditative practice.
Core spiritual benefits believed by devotees include:
- Karmic cleansing — dissolving accumulated negative karma from past actions
- Liberation (Moksha) — ancient scriptures state that sincere Girivalam can lead to spiritual enlightenment
- Inner peace — the meditative rhythm of the walk calms the mind and quiets mental chatter
- Physical healing — the air of Arunachala Hill is said to carry healing energy from the medicinal herbs and shrubs in its forests
- Divine blessings — particularly on Pournami (full moon) nights, when spiritual energy is believed to peak
Giri Pradakshina Route: Distance, Duration & Key Landmarks
The Giri Pradakshina route covers approximately 14 to 18.7 kilometres, depending on the specific path taken and whether all temple stops are included. Most pilgrims complete the walk in 4 to 6 hours, though those stopping at all eight Dikpalaka temples may take 6 to 10 hours.
The walk begins and ends at the Maha Raja Gopuram (West Tower) of Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple in the heart of Tiruvannamalai town. Devotees proceed clockwise, keeping the sacred hill always on their right.
The Eight Ashta Dikpalaka Lingam Temples
The most important spiritual stops along the route are the eight Shiva Lingams, each representing one of the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions:
| Lingam | Direction | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Indra Lingam | East | Power and divine sovereignty |
| Agni Lingam | Southeast | Purification and transformation |
| Yama Lingam | South | Justice, discipline, and freedom from fear of death |
| Niruthi Lingam | Southwest | Protection and removal of obstacles |
| Varuna Lingam | West | Clarity, health, and balance |
| Vayu Lingam | Northwest | Life force, vitality, and movement |
| Kubera Lingam | North | Prosperity and abundance |
| Isanya (Chandra) Lingam | Northeast | Wisdom and spiritual growth |
Other noteworthy stops on the route include the Pachaiamman Temple (one of the oldest on the path), the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, and the Moksha Margam (Path of Liberation) — passing through which is said to grant moksha to devoted pilgrims.
Best Time to Perform Giri Pradakshina
Most Auspicious Days
The walk is considered most powerful on Pournami (full moon) days, when tens of thousands of pilgrims descend on Tiruvannamalai. Other highly auspicious times include:
- Amavasya (new moon)
- Pradosham (bi-monthly Shiva observance)
- Ekadasi (the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight)
- Maha Shivaratri
- Karthigai Deepam festival — when a sacred fire is lit atop Arunachala Hill
Best Time of Day
- Start before dawn (around 4:00–5:00 AM) for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the breathtaking experience of watching the sunrise over Arunachala
- Evening starts are also popular, particularly on full moon nights when the light is magical
- Avoid mid-morning and afternoon during summer months (March–June), when temperatures can be harsh
Best Season
October through February offers the most comfortable weather. The Karthigai Deepam festival (typically November/December) is one of the most spectacular times to visit, though the crowds are at their peak.
How to Perform Giri Pradakshina: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Yourself Take a bath and wear traditional or modest attire before beginning. Bring minimal essentials: water, a small offering (coconut, camphor), and a rudraksha mala if you have one.
2. Begin at the Temple Visit Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple first. Offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for a safe and spiritually fruitful pradakshina.
3. Start the Circumambulation Begin at the West Gopuram. Walk in a clockwise direction, keeping Arunachala Hill on your right at all times.
4. Maintain Devotion and Silence Chant “Om Arunachaleswaraya Namaha” or “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the walk. Try to maintain inner silence and focus on the hill. Avoid unnecessary conversation.
5. Stop at Each Lingam Temple At each of the eight Dikpalaka temples, pause, offer prayers, and take a moment to meditate. Allow around 30 minutes to an hour per major temple.
6. Walk on the Left Side of the Road An old tradition holds that the right side of the path is reserved for sages and siddhas in astral form. Stay to the left to honour this custom.
7. Complete the Circle Upon returning to the starting point, break a coconut at the Balipeetam before the temple entry as a concluding offering.
Walking Barefoot: Should You?
Traditionally, Giri Pradakshina is performed barefoot as an act of humility, surrender, and connection with the sacred earth. Many long-time pilgrims feel that walking barefoot deepens the spiritual experience significantly.
However, if you are doing this for the first time or have sensitive feet, it is perfectly acceptable to wear comfortable shoes or padded socks designed for walking. Your sincerity and devotion matter far more than the state of your footwear.
Practical Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
- Train your body — Walk 5–7 km daily in the week before your pilgrimage to build endurance
- Carry water — There are water stalls along the route, but having your own bottle is wise, especially in warmer months
- Dress modestly — Lightweight, breathable traditional clothing is ideal
- Go with a group — Especially for your first pradakshina, or if walking at night
- Leave plastic behind — Keep the sacred path clean; avoid plastic packaging
- Do a recce the day before — Taking an auto-rickshaw around the route the previous day helps you understand the landmarks
- Keep emergency contacts — Note the numbers of local authorities and any companions travelling with you
- Consult a doctor if you have heart conditions, joint issues, or other health concerns before undertaking the walk
How to Reach Tiruvannamalai
By Air: The nearest airports are Chennai International Airport (~190 km) and Puducherry Airport (~110 km). From either, hire a taxi or take a bus.
By Train: Tiruvannamalai has its own railway station, connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and Hyderabad. The station is a short auto-ride from the temple.
By Bus: Frequent government and private buses run from Chennai, Bangalore, Puducherry, and Hyderabad directly to Tiruvannamalai.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina take? The walk takes between 4 and 6 hours at a steady pace. If you stop at all eight Dikpalaka temples for darshan, expect 6 to 10 hours.
What is the distance of Giri Pradakshina? The route is approximately 14–18.7 km depending on the specific path and temple stops included.
Can anyone perform Giri Pradakshina? Yes. Giri Pradakshina is open to all devotees regardless of age, caste, or nationality. People of all backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Is it mandatory to walk only on Pournami? No. While full moon nights are the most auspicious and popular, you can perform Giri Pradakshina on any day of the year. Non-festival days offer a quieter, more reflective experience.
Can I do Giri Pradakshina with shoes? Yes, though barefoot walking is traditional. Wear comfortable walking shoes or padded socks if needed.
What should I chant during the walk? The most commonly recited mantra is “Om Arunachaleswaraya Namaha”. “Om Namah Shivaya” is also widely chanted. A rudraksha mala helps with keeping count.
Are there facilities along the route? Yes. There are water stalls, small eateries, rest areas, and toilets at various points. Sadhus and volunteers often distribute water and food to pilgrims, especially on Pournami nights.
A Final Word
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina is far more than a long walk. It is an inner journey — one that has transformed the lives of countless seekers over millennia. Whether you come as a devout pilgrim, a spiritual explorer, or simply someone curious about one of India’s greatest living traditions, the mountain has a way of receiving you as you are and returning you changed.
As Ramana Maharshi often said: Arunachala is Shiva himself. Walk around it with an open heart, and the hill will do the rest.