Importance of Girivalam Arunachalam:
The Significance of Circumambulation Arunachalam Hills:
In most holy places, the deity is at the top of the hill. But here the sacred hill itself is the deity (Lord Annamalaiyar) and it is worshiped. “Arunam” means sun and denotes the red color of fire. “Asalam” means “Giri” or “malai” (mountain). So, Arunachalam means the Holy hill which is red in color. The Arunachalam hill is 2668 feet in high.
Annamalai Hill was Agni/fire during Kirthayugam, it was Manikkam/Emerald during Threthayugam, it was Pon/Gold during Dwaparayugam and rock during Kaliyugam. There are eight lingams located in eight directions and they provide an octagonal structure to the city of Thiruvannamalai. The eight lingams are: Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. The glorified Adi Annamalai temple in Dhevaram is located on this road.
Walking around Annamalai Hill is called Giri Pradakshina or Girivalam, So one Girivalam is 14 kilometers in distance. History says that even today several siddhars live on the hill. It is auspicious to perform “Girilvalam” on Purnima or Poornima day, which would do immense good. This is because on the day of the full moon, the movement of the siddhars would be there and the whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of herbal plants. It will bring peace of mind and good health to the body. It is a proven fact that every full moon day thousands of devotees go around the hill and get all the benefits by praying to Lord Annamalaiyar.
The whole path is installed by sodium lamps with an expanse of 12 lakhs donated by Tamil film Superstar Rajanikanth. So the pilgrims can circumambulate during night times. Town administration has erected bore well pumps for drinking water. On special days and on some festivals annadhanam, Milk and buttermilk are offered by Sri Agasthiar Ashram and other donors.
| Name | Cardinal direction | Installed By | Dominant Navagraha | Benefits of Worship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indra Lingam | East | Lord Indian, the king of Celestials | Sun and Sukiran | Long life and fame |
| Agni Lingam | South East | Lord Agri (God of Fire) | Chandran (Moon) | Relief from diseases and fear |
| Tama Lingam | South | Yama, God of Death | Sevvai | Longevity of life span |
| Niruthilingam | South West | Niruthi, the king of giants | Rahu | Health, Wealth and Fame. Issueless can get children. |
| Varunalingam | West | Vanum, the God of Rain | Sani (Satu | Relief from illness |
| Especially water related diseases | ||||
| Vayulingam | North West | Vayu the God of air | Kedhu | Relief from illness especially the heart diseases, breathing and stomach problems |
| Kupera Lingam | North | Kuberan, the God of Wealth | Guru | Wealth and improvement in life status |
| Easanya Lingam | North East | Easanyan | Budhan | Peace of mind |
How to reach Arunachalam Temple?
By Air: From Chennai airport to Temple is 172 km.
By Rail: All Regular trains are available from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai.
By Road: Arunachalam temple is well connected will all major cities.