HOME DESTINATIONS Tiruvannamalai

Arunachala Hill

One of the 5 main Shaivite holy places in South India, the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai is the most popular tourist site in the area.

Arunachala Hill

This sacred hill is located in the temple town of Tiruvanamalai, and geologists claim that it is one of the oldest mountains in the world. The Annamalaiyar Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is located at the base of the hill. The hill is also known by the names Annamalai, Arunagiri, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri, and Sonachalam. Many sages and saints are drawn to this mountain owing to the sacred and spiritual nature of the place. Usually temples are found at the very top of a hill and hold a sacred place in the hearts of devotees, but it is only here in Tiruvannamalai an entire hill is considered sacred and worshipped as a symbol of Lord Shiva, or a lingam.

Girivalam

Girivalam is an ancient tradition performed by devotees, that involves circumambulating the holy Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai. The Girivalam Road is a 14 km long route, with 8 different lingams en route.  Girivalam is usually done every Full Moon day, and lakhs of devotees partake in this spiritual walk.

 

Good to Know:

Location: 4km from Arunai Anantha

Best time to visit: Oct – Feb

Other Attractions

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Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple

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The most famous temple in Tiruvannamalai is this shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, at the base of the holy Arunachala Hill, in the heart of Tiruvannamalai.
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