Arunachalam Giri Pradakshanam || అరుణాచలం రాత్రి 2 గంటలకు గిరి ప్రదక్షణం

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshanam || అరుణాచలం రాత్రి 2 గంటలకు గిరి ప్రదక్షణం


Significance of Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina

The act of walking around the hill in a clockwise direction, with the right side facing the object of adoration, is known as “Giri Pradakshina.”

Pradakshina signifies the removal of sins, fulfillment of desires, freedom from future births, and deliverance through knowledge (jnana).

According to Sri Ramana Maharshi, each step taken during Pradakshina brings increasing levels of happiness: one step for happiness in this world, two steps for happiness in heaven, and three steps for the bliss of Satyaloka.

During Pradakshina, one can choose to maintain silence (mouna), engage in meditation (dhyana), repeat the Lord’s name (japa), or participate in devotional singing (sankeertana), while constantly contemplating on God.

Siddhars, revered spiritual practitioners, are believed to still reside on the hill according to tradition.

The town of Tiruvannamalai features an octagonal structure due to the presence of eight lingams placed in eight directions.

The eight lingams are Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam, and Esanya Lingam.

Recommended: Arunachalam Temple Complete Guide: How to Reach & Timings

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Full Details

The total Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina distance covered to walk around the hill is 14km which takes 3hrs to 4hrs.

Preferably Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina’s timings to walk would be 4:00 am, 4:00 pm, or 10 pm onwards.

Darshan may take 6 to 7 hours, be prepared to stand in long queue lines.

Giri Pradakshina can be performed any time in a year, but its auspicious on full moon days.

One can witness higher crowds during Full moon days.

Two pathways: outer pathway (commonly traveled) with Temples, Asta Lingams, Tirthams, and Shrines.

The inner path is available for Girivalam but closed due to security reasons.

The inner path passes through the forest and is covered with stones, making it difficult to walk without footwear.


Aunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Map Routes

You have to start your Arunachala Giri Pradakshina (girivallam) from Arunachaleswarar Temple, and then follow Ashta Lingas starting with Indra linga, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Surya, Vayu, Kubera and finally Eesanya Linga.

Tips for Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 

Giri Pradakshina can be tiring, especially for those unaccustomed to daily walking.

Start early, preferably from 4 am onwards, for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Some lingam temples along the way open after 5 am, so plan accordingly.

Stop at the Hanuman temple to see a 150-year-old Sanyasi in meditation for personal benefit.

Continuously gaze at the mountain while reciting the Siva mantra within oneself, particularly auspicious on full moon days.

Many people walk barefoot during the pilgrimage as spirituality is a personal experience.

Consider taking an auto tour the day before to familiarize yourself with the Girivalam route.

Read up on the proper way to complete the Girivalam for a fulfilling experience (agasthiar.com website).

Encounter sadhus living on the streets and sleeping under trees along the route.

The complete walk takes around 4 hours or more, with short stops at main Lingam temples en route.