Arunachala Hill - Hindu temple in Tiruvannamalai, Annamalai R.F. - Tiruvannamalai, India

Arunachala is a sacred hill and the Annamalaiyar Temple, located in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Arunachala is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva and holds immense spiritual significance. Arunachala Hill: Arunachala is a hill in Thiruvannamalai that is considered a sacred manifestation of Lord Shiva. The circumambulation (Girivalam) of Arunachala is a significant ritual for devotees. Annamalaiyar Temple: The Annamalaiyar Temple, also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the base of Arunachala Hill and is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Girivalam: Devotees often undertake a ritualistic walk around the Arunachala Hill, known as Girivalam. This circumambulation is considered spiritually significant, and people from various parts of the country come to participate in this practice.

Never knew about this place till few months back, people say it's a place where shiva and Shakti resides themselves. It's equal to God and just be in surroundings you will feel presence of God, to cover holy walk by foot takes around 4-5 hours for experienced person and around 8-9 hours for newbies. Alternative way is going in auto which takes around 1.5 hours including stopping at all shrines of shiva. We could came across beautiful herd of Deer on our way.

This word Girivalam is the origin of the tamil word giri meaning hill and valam means coming around. Hence coming around the hill is called as Girivalam in Tamil. To come one full round (Girivalam) the road round the hill, it is around 14 kilometres. And people both young and old religiously go round on the full moon day. It is said to bring in abundant peace or calmness for the mental well being and also refreshing for the physical fitness. This abode of Arunachaleswarar, the Annamalai hills at Tiruvannamalai has varied interpretations over the years. It is believed this hills took different forms at different period of time and age. During the Kirthayugam it was in the form of fire. The next Threthayugam it took the form of emerald, known as manikkam in Tamil. In the course of Dweparayugam it existed in the form of gold. Now in Kaliyuagam it has taken the state of rocky hill. Asthalingam in Girivalam Path At Arunachaleswarar temple there are eight lingams known as Ashtalingam. They are positioned at different locations and facing various directions. Each lingam signifying different directions of the earth. These lingams are named as Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberalingam and Esanyalingam. Each lingam addresses different aspects of man's life and they bless the devotees with different types of benefits. It is believed to be installed by various gods. Also these lingams have a dominant navagraha and praying to each lingam brings forth various benefits that is being bestowed by that navagraha on the devotees who prays to that particular lingam to achieve the desired results.

Started around 7.30am, with adequate break (2-3min relax) for every 15 minutes, reached top (deepam place) around 10.30am. In the path, everyone asks, how much time it will take to reach deepam place(top).. I just encouraged them "you're very close" just go for it.. And, it was rainy time, faced little difficulty while returning back to ground, be slow &careful. Can't explain the feelings (blessing) unless you see it..

If you make it to the top, you'll understand why they say you can get enlightened. Probably hardest trek ever made but I'm no expert. About 5hrs to climb up and down, 600mt of difference in altitude in only 1km path, you almost climb bare hands in certain passages and of course you must be barefoot. Bring with you water and be ready, not like me. Safe journey. Om nama shiva boom

Very Scared and holy mountain, something deep vibe inside,

Arunachala is a hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, and one of the five main Shaiva holy places in South India. The Arunachalesvara Temple to Shiva is located at the base of the hill. The hill is also known by the names Annamalai, Arunagiri, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri, and Sonachalam. Every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), the Karthigai Deepam light is lit atop the hill. It is also an important place for devotees of Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills.

Worth a visit ... don't get surprised if you see foreign citizens wandering in the jungles in search of inner peace...