Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, also known as Girivalam, is one of the most sacred spiritual journeys in India. This revered circumambulation takes devotees around the holy Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, as an offering of devotion to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Sri Arunachaleswara.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad participate in this sacred ritual, seeking divine blessings, spiritual growth, and inner peace. The practice is believed to cleanse the mind, purify the soul, and bring prosperity and protection.
In 2026, devotees are especially planning to undertake the pilgrimage on Pournami (full moon) days, when the spiritual energy and sanctity of Girivalam reach their peak. This complete guide includes important dates, schedule, temple darshan timings, guidelines for pilgrims, recommended routes, and the spiritual significance of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, helping devotees prepare for a meaningful and hassle-free journey.
What Is Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, also called Girivalam, is the sacred practice of circumambulating Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, which is revered as the living embodiment of Lord Shiva. Unlike regular temple parikrama, this spiritual journey covers approximately 18.7 kilometers and passes by eight Dikpalaka temples, representing the guardians of the cardinal directions.
This pradakshina is highly spiritual, symbolizing the complete Shiva Linga of Annamalayar, and is believed to remove negative energies, promote inner peace, and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Devotees often recite “Om Arunachaleswaraya Namaha” or “Om Namah Shivaya” while walking, which deepens focus, devotion, and connection with Lord Shiva.
The spiritual importance of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina has been highlighted by sages and spiritual leaders like Ramana Maharshi, Kavya Kanta Ganapti Muni, and Sri Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, who praised the transformative benefits of completing this sacred circumambulation.
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 2026 Dates & Pournami Schedule
Girivalam or Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina is considered most sacred on Pournami (full moon) days, although devotees also perform it on Amavasya (new moon), Ekadasi, Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri. Circumambulating Arunachala Hill on full moon days is believed to maximize spiritual benefits, calm the mind, and purify the soul.
Here is the complete Pournami schedule for 2026 for devotees planning Girivalam:
| Pournami | Date 2026 | Suggested Start & End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pausha Pournami | 3 January, Saturday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Magha Pournami | 1 February, Sunday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Phalguna Pournami | 3 March, Tuesday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Chaitra Pournami | 1 April, Friday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Vaisakha Pournami | 1 May, Saturday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Jyesta Pournami | 29 June, Monday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Ashada Pournami | 29 July, Tuesday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Shravana Pournami | 28 August, Friday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Bhadrapada Pournami | 26 September, Saturday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Ashwayuja Pournami | 26 October, Monday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Karthika Pournami | 24 November, Wednesday | Early morning to afternoon |
| Margashira Pournami | 24 December, Thursday | Early morning to afternoon |
Tips for a Comfortable and Spiritual Girivalam:
- Begin the pradakshina during Brahma Muhurtham (early morning) for peace and serenity.
- Evening circumambulation during Pradosham is recommended to avoid heat and crowds.
- Carry minimal essentials, water, and wear comfortable traditional attire.
- Follow the path around eight Dikpalaka temples for maximum spiritual benefit.
This schedule helps devotees plan their 2026 Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina effectively and ensures a spiritually fulfilling experience.
Temples and Sacred Spots to Visit During Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 2026
The Arunachala Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) path in Tiruvannamalai is lined with numerous sacred temples, shrines, and spiritually significant spots. Visiting these sites enhances the spiritual merit and makes the pilgrimage deeply rewarding. Here are the key temples and sacred locations to include in your Girivalam:
| Temple / Sacred Spot | Spiritual Significance |
|---|---|
| Ramana Ashram | Center for meditation, spiritual learning, and inner peace |
| Varuna Lingam | Represents the water element; directional deity for purification |
| Indra Lingam | Deity for rain, fertility, and prosperity |
| Agni Lingam | Fire element – symbolizes energy and transformation |
| Dakshina Murthy Temple | Temple of wisdom, knowledge, and guidance |
| Agastya Teertham | Sacred water spot for ritual purification |
| Vayu Lingam | Air element – vitality and life force |
| Sunai Lingam | Spiritual cleansing and mental clarity |
| Yama Lingam | Directional deity of justice and righteousness |
| Chandra Lingam | Moon deity – calm, peace, and emotional balance |
| Khadga Teertham | Sacred water for rituals and cleansing |
| Niruthi Lingam | Protection from negativity and evil forces |
| Eesanya Lingam | Northeast directional blessings for prosperity and safety |
| Siva Ganga Tank | Sacred water body for rituals and purification |
| Surya Lingam | Sun deity – energy, vitality, and positivity |
| Kubera Lingam | Wealth, abundance, and financial prosperity |
| Skand Ashram | Devotion to Lord Murugan and spiritual discipline |
Tip: Make it a point to visit all eight Dikpalaka temples, especially if it’s your first Girivalam, to receive maximum spiritual benefits and divine grace.
Spiritual and Health Benefits of Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina
Walking the 18.7 km Girivalam path around Arunachala Hill offers profound spiritual, mental, and physical benefits:
- Mental Clarity and Peace: Walking meditatively enhances focus, reduces stress, and brings inner calm.
- Physical Fitness: The long circumambulation promotes stamina, energy, and overall health.
- Spiritual Growth: Strengthens devotion to Lord Shiva, cultivates self-discipline, and deepens faith.
- Healing Energy: The forested hills are rich in medicinal herbs, which positively impact physical well-being.
- Karmic Cleansing: Completing the pradakshina is believed to wash away negative karma and sins.
- Blessings and Prosperity: Devotees often experience increased guidance, protection, and fortune in life.
- Moksha: Performing Girivalam on Pournami (full moon) days is said to accelerate spiritual liberation.
Instructions and Etiquette for a Safe and Blessed Girivalam
To ensure a meaningful and comfortable pilgrimage, follow these guidelines and tips:
- Wear traditional and comfortable clothing. Men can wear dhoti or kurta-pyjama, and women should wear saree or salwar kameez. Avoid casual or revealing clothes.
- Children below 7 years should avoid the path due to crowd safety.
- Do not carry plastic, disposable items, junk food, or cold drinks to maintain sanctity.
- Carry a Rudraksha mala or prayer beads for chanting mantras and enhancing devotion.
- Maintain silence, mindfulness, and respect during the walk.
- Seek help if you are physically challenged; special lanes and volunteers are available.
- Show respect to all temples and shrines along the route and follow the instructions of volunteers and security personnel.
Following these practices ensures a safe, spiritually uplifting, and fulfilling Girivalam experience at Arunachala in 2026.
Darshan Timings at Sri Arunachaleswara Temple
Visiting Sri Arunachaleswara Temple during your Girivalam adds immense spiritual merit. The temple follows structured darshan and ritual timings to accommodate devotees efficiently:
| Time of Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Regular darshan and daily rituals |
| Afternoon | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM: General darshan for devotees |
| Evening | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Evening darshan |
| Special Pournami Abhishekam | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Ritual bathing, homas, and special poojas |
Participating in the Pournami rituals during Girivalam enhances spiritual merit and offers a deeper connection with Lord Arunachaleswara.
Facilities Available on the Arunachala Giri Pradakshina Route
The Arunachala Hill Girivalam path is thoughtfully maintained to ensure devotees have a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience. Several facilities are available along the 18.7 km route to support pilgrims of all ages:
- Well-Paved Paths and Signages: Clear walking paths with directional signs guide devotees throughout the pradakshina.
- Purified Water Stations: Drinking water is available every 200 meters to keep pilgrims hydrated.
- First Aid and Ambulance Services: Medical assistance is provided along the route for emergencies.
- Bio-Toilets: Clean and eco-friendly toilets are installed every 400 meters for convenience.
- Rest Areas: Seating spaces are available for senior citizens, pregnant women, and feeding mothers.
- Safety Personnel: Volunteers and police officers ensure orderly movement and crowd safety.
- Wheelchair Access and Paid Transport: Special arrangements are available for devotees unable to complete the full walk.
- Temple Facilities: Parking, cloakrooms, and luggage check-in services are provided near the main temple and at key points along the pradakshina.
These facilities make Girivalam 2026 accessible, safe, and enjoyable for every pilgrim, allowing focus on devotion and spiritual growth.
How to Reach Arunachala Hill, Tiruvannamalai
Arunachala Hill, the sacred site for Arunachala Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam), is easily accessible from major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Pilgrims can choose from air, train, and road travel options to plan a smooth journey.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, approximately 200 km from Tiruvannamalai. From the airport, devotees can hire taxis or take buses directly to the town for a convenient transfer to the temple.
By Train: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station is well-connected with major cities across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Bangalore, and Vellore. From the station, local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis can be used to reach Arunachala Hill and the main temple.
By Road: Tiruvannamalai is well-served by state-run and private buses from Chennai, Bangalore, Vellore, and nearby towns. For last-mile connectivity, local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and shared vehicles provide easy access to the Sri Arunachaleswara Temple and the starting point of the Girivalam path.
Traveling to Arunachala Hill is straightforward, ensuring devotees can focus on their spiritual journey during Arunachala Giri Pradakshina 2026 without hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 2026
Q: What is Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina?
A: It is the sacred circumambulation of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to cleanse karma and bring spiritual blessings.
Q: When are the Pournami dates for Girivalam in 2026?
A: Major Pournami dates include June 29, July 29, August 28, September 26, October 26, November 24, December 24, and early 2027 months as per full moon days.
Q: How long is the Giri Pradakshina route?
A: The full circular route around Arunachala Hill is approximately 18.7 kilometers.
Q: What is the best time to start the pradakshina?
A: Early morning during Brahma Muhurtham or evening during Pradosham is ideal to avoid heat and enjoy peaceful darshan.
Q: Do I need to book tickets for Girivalam?
A: No, participation and temple darshan are free of cost for all devotees.
Q: Are there facilities along the Giri Pradakshina path?
A: Yes, there are water stations, bio-toilets, first-aid, rest areas, parking, and assistance for senior citizens and physically challenged devotees.
Q: What attire is recommended for devotees?
A: Traditional clothing is advised—dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men, saree or salwar suit for women.
Q: Can children participate in Girivalam?
A: Children below 7 years are generally advised not to participate due to crowd and distance.
Q: How long does it take to complete the pradakshina?
A: Completing the full 18.7 km with temple stops usually takes 6–10 hours.
Q: Which temples should I visit during the Giri Pradakshina?
A: Eight Dikpalaka temples along the route, including Varuna Lingam, Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Dakshina Murthy Temple, Vayu Lingam, Chandra Lingam, Surya Lingam, and Kubera Lingam.
Q: What are the spiritual benefits of performing Arunachala Girivalam?
A: Benefits include mental peace, physical fitness, karmic cleansing, divine blessings, spiritual growth, and enhanced chances for moksha.
Q: Are there special rules to follow during pradakshina?
A: Devotees should maintain silence, avoid plastic, carry a rudraksha mala, and observe traditional rituals at temples.
