Girivalam

Girivalam (also known as Giripradakshina) is the sacred practice of circumambulating the Arunachala Hill that surrounds the town of Tiruvannamalai, where the famous Arunachaleswarar Temple is located. It is considered one of the most revered and spiritually significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. The hill itself is believed to be a manifestation of Shiva and is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the fire element (Agni).

Key Aspects of Girivalam:

1. Spiritual Significance:
   • Girivalam means "the circumambulation of the mountain" (literally, giri = hill, pradakshina = circumambulation), and it is believed that walking around the Arunachala Hill purifies the soul and brings spiritual merit. It is considered an act of devotion, symbolizing the journey of life around the divine.
   • The practice is thought to lead to the removal of sins, liberation (moksha), and spiritual progress. The path around the hill is also said to be filled with divine energy, and it is a deeply transformative experience for those who walk it with reverence and mindfulness.
2. Length of the Path:
   • The total distance of Girivalam is approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), and the route passes through scenic landscapes, small temples, and sacred spots associated with Lord Shiva.
   • The path is lined with numerous shrines and small temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses, many of them historically linked to the Arunachala Hill.
3. Timing and Festivals:
   • Girivalam can be done at any time, but it is especially significant during specific times, such as during the full moon (Purnima), the Karthigai Deepam festival (celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai, typically November–December), and Mahashivaratri (the night dedicated to Lord Shiva).
   • The full moon is particularly auspicious, as the light of the moon is said to enhance the spiritual energy of the hill. Many devotees choose to complete the Girivalam during the night of the full moon, when the hill is illuminated by thousands of lamps.
4. Sacred Spots Along the Path:
   • There are several sacred places and small temples along the Girivalam route that are integral to the circumambulation. Some of the key spots include:
     • Pradakshina Pathway: This is the main route taken by devotees. It is lined with beautiful temples and shrines, each dedicated to various forms of Shiva and his associates.
     • The Karthigai Deepam Peak: The highest point on the hill, where a massive flame is lit during the Karthigai Deepam festival, representing the infinite light of Shiva.
     • Various Lingams: Along the route, there are small shrines with Shiva Lingams (symbols of Shiva) that devotees visit while making their way around the hill.
5. Physical and Mental Benefits:
   • Girivalam is not just a physical practice but also a deeply spiritual one. The journey is considered a form of meditation in motion, where the act of walking, focused on the divine, helps clear the mind and deepen devotion.
   • Many people report feeling a profound sense of peace, clarity, and spiritual awakening after completing the Girivalam. It is said that walking barefoot along the route is particularly powerful, as it connects the devotee directly with the spiritual energy of the hill.
6. Ramana Maharshi’s Connection:
   • The practice of Girivalam has a strong association with the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, one of the most revered modern spiritual teachers in India. Ramana Maharshi, who spent most of his life in Tiruvannamalai, often encouraged devotees to walk the Girivalam path as a way to deepen their spiritual practice and to connect with the divine presence of Arunachala.
   • He would himself occasionally walk around the hill, and he spoke of the importance of surrendering to the hill's energy as a path to spiritual awakening. His ashram, Sri Ramanasramam, is located near the base of the hill, and many of his followers make the Girivalam journey as part of their spiritual pilgrimage.
7. The Experience of Girivalam:
   • For devotees, Girivalam is not just a physical act but a profound, spiritual journey. The peacefulness of the surroundings, the sacredness of the hill, and the collective energy of fellow pilgrims make the experience deeply transformative.
   • The route is marked by sacred trees, especially the Nandi trees (sacred to Shiva) and banyan trees, where people stop to meditate or rest during their journey.
8. The Role of the Full Moon:
   • Girivalam on a full moon night is considered particularly auspicious. The moonlight enhances the sanctity of the experience, and pilgrims believe that the light of the moon illuminates the path to spiritual knowledge and liberation.
   • During Karthigai Deepam, the full moon night coincides with the lighting of a giant beacon on top of the Arunachala Hill, further adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the event.