Arunachala Giri Pradakshina – A Sacred Circumambulation

 

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.