Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina: Sacred 8 Lingams Of Tiruvannamalai

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Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina is a term associated with the traditional practice followed by the devotees of the Arunachaleswara Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. This practice projects an act where devotees circulate around the sacred Hill of Arunachala, since it bears intrinsic religious value for them and is considered to be Lord Shiva in form.

The devotees believe that Giri Pradakshina, the circumambulation of the hill, is by itself a sacred act full of spiritual elevation. The Circumambulation is to be done on foot covering around 14 kilometers or nearly 8.7 miles. People do it as part of penance, devotion, or to seek blessings and spiritual Nahushthasaras.

It is also important to mention that this Arunachala Hill is related to the Thiruvannamalai town and the famous Shiva temple, one of the holiest temples of South India. Giri Pradakshina happens to coincide with such special events as full moon days and other religious festivals, hence this attracts a bigger number of pilgrims and visitors.

Devotees usually begin or conclude the Giri Pradakshina at the Arunachaleswara Temple, and on their way while walking they also make offerings, chant prayers, or sing devotional songs. It was an intense form of showing devotion deeply a part of their impulses within the religious and cultural identity of this region.

Legend of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina:

Giri Pradakshina is one of those legends that carry spiritual transition and enlightenment at its essence. This story is about a lad whose name is Arunachala, born in a very wealthy family in Tiruvannamalai. In him lived a very compassionate heart, yet a significantly troubled soul by the world’s suffering.

One day, as Arunachala was walking through the forest, he bumped into a group of sages. The sages were busy doing a Giri Pradakshina and asked Arunachala whether he would like to join them. Arunachala accepted the offer of their invitation and began to walk around the mountain with the sages.

Arunachala meditated by the object of reality: he realized the whole world was both in a state of delusion and the only true reality lay within the divine. He therefore saw himself as one with the divine and could have the enlightenment.

For many days, Arunachala walked round the mountain. As he walked round, he became more and more enlightened. Finally, he reached a state of samadhi or perfect union with the divine. Then Arunachala himself became a sage, and to him people came from far and wide for enlightenment, and he devoted his life to helping others along the same path of light.

The legend of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina implied to the effect that he too had the potential to get enlightened. That is the sacred montane of Arunachala around which pilgrims do tread the divine path to get their own enlightenment.

Significance of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina:

The Holy Arunachala, also known as Girivalam in Tamilnadu, India, holds a prime place of importance in the religious and spiritual practices carried out around the Arunachala hill of Tiruvannamalai. In other words, the pilgrimage involves circling around the holy hill of Arunachala, considered a form of the god Shiva. Below are some of the significances of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina:

Spiritual Blending: The Girivalam is thought to be an act of spiritual purging and cleaning. With this walk around the hill, devotees are parting with their ego, the attachments that have developed, and other impurities to be able to make this journey from darkness to light, ignorance to knowledge, and from suffering to liberation.

Association with Lord Shiva: Legend proclaims that the Arunachala hill is said to be a terrestrial form of Lord Shiva. Pradakshina of the hill is considered visiting Lord Shiva for boons and blessings. For devotees, doing the pradakshina physically gets them closer to the god.

Girivalam is a popular pilgrimage tradition. People from different parts of India and in fact some parts of the world come to Tiruvannamalai to seek blessings by doing the very sacred Girivalam around the Arunachala Hill. This is one major event in the religious calendars, especially during major festivals, full moon days, and so on.

Physical and mental discipline: The practice involves walking a considerable distance, often in challenging weather conditions. It requires quite great physical endurance and mental discipline, which again is seen as a way of preparing the devotee for the challenges of life and his own spiritual path.

Self-reflection and contemplation: Devotees often use the Girivalam time for self-reflection, meditation, and chanting of sacred mantras. It is certainly a possibility for introspection and the contemplation of one’s spiritual life course and purpose.

Community and unity: Girivalam is all about bringing people from different backgrounds and communities together, hence being a time of unity and brotherhood. It also becomes accessible through the collective act of devotion so as to strengthen connections with the sense of spiritual community.

Environmental protection: Girivalam travels around the hill, emphasizes the beauty of natural ecological balance, and insists on respecting and having a sense of responsibility toward nature.

Cultural and Historical Significance: Arunachala has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and Girivalam is an integral part of the local traditions and customs. It represents the boundlessness of permanency of culture and religious practices in vogue here.

Tiruvannamalai Ashtalingam Girivalam Route Map:

It is well known for the eight Lingams, which represent eight symbolic aspects of Lord Shiva. These eight Lingams are collectively called the “Ashta Lingams of Tiruvannamalai.” Each of these Lingams holds other devotees who pray for blessings from those forms of Lord Shiva. The eight Lingams of Tiruvannamalai are as follows:

Indra Lingam

The Indra Lingam is at the eastern gateway of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, which has been situated in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is regarded as the Lingam of the Sky element, symbolizing Shiva’s power to create and destroy.

The Indra Lingam is carved out of black granite and is a little over 1.5 feet tall. It is installed facing east and located within a small shrine at the east gate of the temple. This place is open to the public and devotees to offer their prayers and worship at the lingam.

Praying the Indra Lingam blesses one for prosperity, success, and good fortune. And it also said that one could surmount and conquerant obstacles.

Devotees who perform a circumambulation of the Arunachala hill, known as Girivalam, visit the Indra Lingam en route to the summit. It is one among the eight lingams laid around the hill, each one related to one of the five elements of nature.

One of the most renowned places of pilgrimage for Hindus across the world is the Indra Lingam. It is a hallowed place of worship, with the belief of many that it brings blessings and fulfillment.

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Agni Lingam:

The Tiruvannamali Agni Lingam is one of the eight lingams of Tiruvannamalai, in Tamil Nadu, India. This is located at the south-east gate of the Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The black stone lords it, representing the fire element.

The Agni Lingam becomes a prime destination for pilgrims among Hindus. The devotees believe that worship of the lingam will bring spiritual enlightenment and purification.

As per the legend, the Agni Lingam is an idol that was created by Lord Shiva himself. He appeared to the sage Agastya and asked him to choose a place to worship him. The Arunachala hill, the chosen hill which represents Lord Shiva, was chosen by Agastya. He manifested himself as the Agni Lingam right at the south-east gate of the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Agni Lingam, the most holy and potent symbol of Lord Shiva, reminds one of the divine presence in all of creation.

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Yama Lingam:

The Yama Lingam is among the eight lingams of Tiruvannamalai and it is for respecting the god Yama, god of death, of Tamil Nadu, India.

The Yama Lingam lies at the southern entrance of the Arunachaleswarar Temple. It is a plain, cylindrical stone lingam. This Shivalingam is said to be the epitome of staunch death and rebirth.

It is said that worshiping the Yama Lingam makes a devotee fearless at the time of his death and purifies him for the afterlife. Devotees believe it can also help them achieve nirvana from the cycle of birth and death.

Pilgrims besides Arunachala always make a point of worshiping at the Yama Lingam while circumambulating the Arunachala hill, popularly referred to as Girivalam, in the wee hours of the morning.

The Yama Lingam is also visited by people who are in mourning due to the death of a loved one. Devotees believe that the worship of Yama Lingam will help them to cope with their grief and to find closure.

Niruthi Lingam:

The Niruthi Lingam is one of the eight lingams of Tiruvannamalai and is located on the western side of Arunachala hill, just near Shantimalai Compound. This Lingam enshrines the air element of Vayu and Niruthi, who is said to have been the king of the asuras, or demons.

Niruthi is considered to be an all-powerful God, who conquers hurdles and obstacles in the path of his devotees. It is believed that Niruthi Lingam worship provides aid to devotees concerning health, fame, and wealth-related issues. It is also said to help devotees overcome negative energies and obstacles.

The Niruthi Lingam itself is a small, black lingam, ensconced in a simple shrine. The shrine is surrounded by a tree and a pond. Devotees who come to worship Niruthi Lingam usually pray, offer flowers, and fruits. Some may bathe in the pond or meditate near the tree.

Varuna Lingam:

The Varuna Lingam is the fifth of the eight lingams at Tiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, and is dedicated to Varuna, the mythical deity of water. The lingam is situated on the west part of Arunachala below the Old Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Legend has it that it is said to have been worshiped by Varuna himself at the Varuna Lingam to atone for his sins. He was so dedicated to Lord Shiva that he stood on one leg for over 1000 years. Being pleased by Varuna’s adulation, Lord Shiva forgave him of his sins.

The Varuna Lingam is also considered to have the powers to absolve devotees of their sins. It is also considered to bring good luck and good fortune to the devotees. Normally it is worshipped and offered prayers for rains because Varuna is the god of water.

The Varuna Lingam is one of the most famous pilgrimages for the Hindus globally, which is exalted for reminding all of us the supreme importance of water in our lives and the power of devotion.

Vayu Lingam:

The Vayu Lingam of Tiruvannamalai lies at the north-western entrance of the greater enclosure of the Arunachaleswarar Temple. It represents the element of air and is said to represent the breath of Lord Shiva. The lingam itself is made out of a single piece of granite and is approximately 3 feet tall. A small shrine surrounding the lingam remains open to the public.

It is believed that by worshipping the Vayu Lingam, the devotees gain power, energy, and good health. It is also believed to help in problems such as asthma and various kinds of breathing allergies.

The Vayu Lingam is considered as one of the most important places of pilgrimage among the temple towns of Tiruvannamalai. It attracts several pilgrims belonging to Hindu religion from all over the world.

Kubera Lingam:

The Tiruvannamalai Kubera Lingam is one of the eight lingams located around the Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Kubera, the god of wealth and prosperity in Hinduism. It is situated at the northern gate of the Arunachaleswarar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the Kubera Lingam is made from a single solid piece of crystal. It said to be a very powerful lingam, and devotees are blessed with wealth and prosperity if they worship before it.

The Kubera Lingam is one of the prime places for pilgrimage for Hindus from around the world. On the Girivalam—that is, upon the arduous ritualistic circumambulation of the Arunachala hill—devotees pay obeisance to the Kubera Lingam en route.

Eesaana Lingam:

The eighth lingam is the Tiruvannamalai Easanya Lingam and the 8 Lingams of Tiruvannamalai. It is located at the top of the Arunachala, one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Lord Shiva. The lingam is said to be directionless representing the ultimate reality that is beyond the five elements.

The Easanya Lingam is believed to be the most sacrosanct among the 8 Lingams. It is believed to give enlightenment and moksha, or deliverance from birth and death. In the Girivalam, devotees circumambulating the Arunachala Hill visit the Easanya Lingam.

The Easanya Lingam is a small black stone laid in the ground. There is a small shrine for the lingam lying open toward the sky. Normally people offer prayers and flowers to the Lingam.

The Easanya Lingam has many myths and legends behind it. Another one is how the sage Agastya is supposed to have found the lingam.

The Easanya Lingam is a popular place of pilgrimage among Hindus all over the world. It is a symbol of the supreme reality and the goal of spiritual practice.

How to start Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina in Tiruvannamalai?

The two primary starting points for the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina are these:

Arunachaleswarar Temple: This is the most common starting point, as this is considered to be the main shrine of Lord Shiva. Walk to the eastern entrance of the Arunachaleswarar temple and proceed on the road that reaches the base of the mountain.

Arunachala Girivalam Road—This is a lesser starting point on the more southern flank of the mountain. To start from Arunachala Girivalam Road, go to the end of the road and follow the path that leads to the base of the mountain.

FAQ:

What is Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?

The sacred pradakshina at Arunachalam hill in Tiruvannamalai situated in Tamil Nadu, India, has the hill regarded as manifestation of the Hindu god, Shiva, and pradakshina as a form of homage to Him.

How many hours does the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina take to complete?

The Pradakshina takes a distance of around 14 km and approximately 3-4 hours. The fulfillment of the Pradakshina in terms of time, however, is subjective to an individual’s fitness level and the frequency of breaks one makes during this walk.

What are the benefits of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina has many spiritual benefits, as follows:

Removes sins
Fulfills desires
Freedom from future births
Deliverance through knowledge, jnana

What are the rules of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?

There are a few rules that pilgrims should adhere to when performing the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina. Such rules are intended to protect the safety and spiritual purity of the pradakshina.

The pilgrims must wear neat, comfortable clothes.
Pilgrims have to walk barefoot or in socks.
Pilgrims shall not talk loudly or indulge in any kind of activity that may disturb the peace of the pradakshina.
Pilgrims should offer prayers and respect to the gods and goddesses along the way.

When is the best time to do Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?

One can do Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina in any month or season. But it is better recommended to be performed during the full moon, or Pournami. That said, the lordly hill is incredibly auspicious during the said period.

Things to Remember Doing Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina

Among the things that one should remember while performing the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, which involves circumambulation of 14 kilometers around the holy hill, are the following: Take adequate water and light refreshments with you.
Do not forget to smear sunscreen and wear a cap to save yourself from scorching sun rays.
Be careful about your surroundings since there can be stray dogs and mischievous monkeys.
Stop and rest if you get tired or feel weak.

How to Reach Arunachala Shiva temple:

By Air:

The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 170 kilometers away from Thiruvannamalai. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to this temple town.

By Train:

Thiruvannamalai has its own railway station named “Tiruvannamalai Railway Station,” which is connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can board a train till this station and then take a local mode of transport to the temple.

By Road:

Thiruvannamalai is well connected by road. It has an excellent network of roads, which links all cities in Tamil Nadu. You will have no trouble driving to the town or taking a bus, since there are good conditioned government and private buses connecting Thiruvannamalai with Chennai, Bangalore, and Tiruvallur.

Local Transport:

You can reach the Arunachala Temple, located at the center of the town, from Thiruvannamalai by local transportation through auto-rickshaws or taxis.