Giri Pradakshina,
also known as Girivalam in Tamil, is the act of walking barefoot in a
clockwise direction around the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai,
Tamil Nadu. This 14-kilometer path is not just a physical journey—it’s a deeply
transformative spiritual practice.
Spiritual Significance
- Arunachala
is revered as the embodiment of Lord Shiva in his Agni (Fire)
form.
- The hill itself is considered a living
deity, and circumambulating it is akin to revolving around Shiva
himself.
- Ramana Maharshi
emphasized that even those who perform Pradakshina without faith will
still receive its purifying benefits.
Full Moon Rituals
- Pournami (Full Moon)
nights are especially auspicious for Girivalam.
- Devotees from across India and abroad
gather to walk the path in silence, devotion, and surrender.
- It’s believed that even devas
(celestial beings) perform Pradakshina here.
Benefits of Giri
Pradakshina
- Mental Purification:
Calms the mind, reduces ego, and promotes inner clarity.
- Physical Healing:
Walking barefoot is said to activate energy points and improve health.
- Spiritual Growth:
Helps burn karma and accelerates the path to moksha (liberation).
Eight Directional Lingams
Along the path are eight
guardian lingams, each aligned with a cardinal direction and associated
with a Navagraha. Worshipping these lingams during the walk enhances the
spiritual potency of the journey.
Directional Lingams &
Their Significance
1. Indra
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Lord Indra
o Navagraha:
Sun & Venus (Sukra)
o Benefit:
Long life and fame
2. Agni
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Lord Agni
o Navagraha:
Moon
o Benefit:
Relief from diseases and fear
3. Yama
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Lord Yama
o Navagraha:
Mars (Sevvai)
o Benefit:
Longevity of life span
4. Niruthi
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Niruthi
o Navagraha:
Rahu
o Benefit:
Health, wealth, and fame
5. Varuna
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Varuna
o Navagraha:
Saturn (Shani)
o Benefit:
Relief from illness
6. Vayu
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Vayu
o Navagraha:
Ketu
o Benefit:
Relief from heart, breathing, and stomach issues
7. Kubera
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Lord Kubera
o Navagraha:
Jupiter (Guru)
o Benefit:
Wealth and improvement in life status
8. Esanya
Lingam
o Installed
by:
Esanya
o Navagraha:
Mercury (Budha)
o Benefit:
Peace of mind
Tips for Devotees
- Begin your walk with a prayer at the Arunachaleswarar
Temple.
- Walk barefoot as a gesture of
humility and surrender.
- Maintain silence or chant mantras
during the walk.
- Carry water and wear light clothing, especially during summer.
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