Girivalam and the Ashta Lingams, Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Girivalam is the sacred walk around the Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, about 14 km long. Pilgrims walk it, often barefoot, in prayer, and the route passes eight small Ashta (Dik) Lingams, each facing a direction: Indra (east), Agni (south-east), Yama (south), Nirruthi (south-west), Varuna (west), Vayu (north-west), Kubera (north) and Esanya (north-east). Walkers acknowledge each as they pass, and the walk is busiest on full-moon (Pournami) nights, when lakhs of devotees take part.
What to see and do
- Walk part of the Girivalam path around the sacred hill
- See some of the eight Ashta Lingams, each at a point of the compass
- Pass the ashrams and temples along the route
- See the hill from every side as you go round
Ideal for
- Devotees who want the Girivalam experience
- Fit walkers and pilgrims at full moon
- Visitors who prefer a driving tour can visit a few lingams by car
Good to know
- The full walk is about 14 km and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours with breaks, so most tourists see only parts of it by car
- It is traditionally walked barefoot, so check the heat and the road
- Pournami (full moon) nights are extremely crowded
- Some lingams are a little off the main path, and sources disagree on distances, so check with a local guide
- It is not necessary to enter all eight lingam shrines
Spiritual significance
Walking around Arunachala is the central act of devotion in Tiruvannamalai, and the Ashta Lingams guard the hill in all eight directions. It turns the hill itself into the object of worship.
Why it matters
- A sacred circuit: about 14 km around the hill that is worshipped as Shiva
- Eight direction lingams: each of the eight directions has its own lingam
- A living tradition: thousands walk it each month, lakhs on full-moon nights