Girivalam also called as Giri Valam is a festival which is observed on every full moon day at Thiruvannamalai for the sacred mountain Annamalai. In Tamil language “giri” means mountain and “valam” means circumambulation. People those who seek spiritual things choose to walk around the mountain and worship Arunachala temple of Thiruvannamalai on Pournamai day called Girivalam. Girivalam is connected to the hill Annamalai , considered as a deity and god Shiva temple called Arunachaleswarar a Tamil ancient massive shrine found at the bottom of the Tiruvannamalai hill.
This Arunachaleswarar temple was named after "The mountain of fire". The god who lives there is also called by the same name. In sanskrit "Arunam" stands for fire with red colour, "asalam" is called as "malai" or hill. The mountain is red in color, has the height of 2668 feet with approximately 16 KM in diameter. Eight Siva lingams are located around the Arunchala mountain.
During the Girivalam circling, people visit these Siva lingams. Each lingam represent one direction. If you watch Thiruvannamalai town very closely, it is structured around these lingams in octagonal dimension. Each lingam has its own name such as Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. Indian spiritual history has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. During the time of full moon , Maha Girivalam or Deepam festival day of Karthigai month, Siddhars movement would be there and whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of herbal plants.
This will provide physical fitness and peace of mind. It is a proven fact that Tiruvannamalai girivalam pulls 100,000 of devotees to circumambulate the Arunachala mountain and obtain seeken wish comes true by praying to siva Annamalai.
The giri valam circumambulation path has been well maintained with rows of sodium lights around the hill. People can walk round the clock 24 hours a day without any fear or getting lost. To improve the devotees experience, Tiruvannamalai town government has established many road side stores as well as strict vigilant Police patrol around the mountain.
This Arunachaleswarar temple was named after "The mountain of fire". The god who lives there is also called by the same name. In sanskrit "Arunam" stands for fire with red colour, "asalam" is called as "malai" or hill. The mountain is red in color, has the height of 2668 feet with approximately 16 KM in diameter. Eight Siva lingams are located around the Arunchala mountain.
During the Girivalam circling, people visit these Siva lingams. Each lingam represent one direction. If you watch Thiruvannamalai town very closely, it is structured around these lingams in octagonal dimension. Each lingam has its own name such as Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. Indian spiritual history has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. During the time of full moon , Maha Girivalam or Deepam festival day of Karthigai month, Siddhars movement would be there and whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of herbal plants.
This will provide physical fitness and peace of mind. It is a proven fact that Tiruvannamalai girivalam pulls 100,000 of devotees to circumambulate the Arunachala mountain and obtain seeken wish comes true by praying to siva Annamalai.
The giri valam circumambulation path has been well maintained with rows of sodium lights around the hill. People can walk round the clock 24 hours a day without any fear or getting lost. To improve the devotees experience, Tiruvannamalai town government has established many road side stores as well as strict vigilant Police patrol around the mountain.
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Latest girivalam timings is available in Annamalayar.com.
Very informational post. The holy town of Thiruvannamalai is located at the base of the Arunachala Hill in north Tamil Nadu. Hotels in Thiruvannamalai allow tourists to this significant holy town located in Tamil Nadu to enjoy a relaxed stay.
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