The Significance of Girivalam (Circumambulation)

In most of the holy places the Deity is found atop the hill. But here the Holy hill itself is the Deity (Lord
Annamalaiyar) and is worshipped. "Arunam" means sun and denotes the red colour of fire. "Asalam" means "Giri" or
"malai" (mountain). Thus "Arunachalam" means the Holy Hill which is red in colour. The Holy hill is 2668 ft. high.
The Annamalai Hill was Agni (fire) during Kirthayugam, was Manikkam (Emerad) during Threthayugam, was Pon
(Gold) during Dwaparayugam and rock during Kaliyugam.
There are eight lingams located at the eight directions and provides an octagonal structure to Thiruvannamalai Town.
The eight lingams are: Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam,
Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. The Adi Annamalai Temple glorified in Dhevaram is located on this path. The
circumambulation path is 14 kilometres. History has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. It is
auspicious to perform "Girilvalam" during every Full moon day which would do immense good. It is because during
Full Moon Day siddhars movement would be there and the whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of
herbal plants. This will provide peace of mind and good health to body. It is a proven fact that on every Full moon
day lakhs of devotees circumambulate the Hill and get all benefits by praying to Lord Annamalaiyar . The
circumambulation path has been provided with sodium lamps at the expense of 12 lakhs donated by cine artist Thiru
Rajinikanth. This benefits pilgrims who perform circumambulation during night times. On behalf of Town
administration bore well pumps are erected to supply drinking water to pilgrims. Moreover for the benefit of the
devotees during special occasions annadhanam is performed by Sri Agasthiar Ashram, and so many donors. Milk is
distributed by certain well wishers.
Significance of Worshipping Asta Lingams in Girivalam
Cardinal
Dominant
Name
Installed By
Benefits of Worship Picture
direction
Navagraha
Indra Lingam

East

Agni Lingam

South East

Yama Lingam

South

Niruthilingam

Varunalingam

Vayulingam

Lord Indiran, the king Sun and Sukiran

of Celestials
Lord Agni (God of
Fire)

Chandran (Moon) Relief from diseases

and fear

Yama, God of Death

Sevvai

Longevity of life span

Raghu

Health, Wealth and

Fame. Issueless can get
children.

Sani (Saturn)

Relief from illness

Especially water
related diseases

Kedhu

Relief from illness

especially the heart
diseases, breathing and
stomach problems

Kuperan, the God of

Wealth

Guru

Wealth and
improvement in life
status

Easanyan

Budhan

Peace of mind

South West Niruthi, the king of

giants

West

Varuna, the God of

Rain

North West Vayu the God of air

Kupera Lingam

North

Easanya Lingam

North East

Long life and fame