Girivalam, Arunachaleswarar Temple
Girivalam, Arunachaleswarar Temple
Girivalam, Arunachaleswarar Temple
4.5
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Monday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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- sitra s5 contributionsPilgrimage with motherAn amazing trip to Thiruvannamalai in Jan 2024. Stayed at Amoha hotel, which is walking distance to the ThiruArunachaleswar temple. Went through the ticket less entrance, immersed the vibrations from Lingeswara (boy was it hot in the temple!). Girivallam was such a spiritual experience ✨️. Will do it all over again if given the chance !Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 February 2024
- TravelExplorer_2005Bengaluru, India1,333 contributionsGirivalam on a full moon day - An experience of ecstasyThe experience of doing Girivalam on a full moon day is something beyond words to describe. The mass of human beings who gather on that day to Girivalam, the positivity in the air as people keep chanting Om Namah Shiva and the total environ of the day makes it a must try atleast once in life time. Don't miss an opportunity to do Girivalam on a full moon day even if people try to dissuade you from venturing to this place on that day. Once you join the group you will not feel the crowd and you would rather enjoy the crowd. The only thing which is difficult to do on a full moon day is darshan of Lord Arunachaleshwara in the temple. It may take anywhere between 4 to 5 hours to have his darshan on this day. There would be no special darshans on the full moon day. Also getting accommodation in the temple town would be a challenge in the last minute unless you plan well in advance.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 3 March 2024
- Iris1926Ahmedabad, India99 contributionsA nice spiritual experienceVisiting the huge temple is one thing, and doing the Girivalam (circambulation) is another. It's a 14 km round trip around the temple and the mountain. That too, without footwear. Some wear socks if they can't walk without footwear. The time chosen to do the Girivalam is essential because during the daytime it's very hot. So evening 5 pm if you start, and it takes 4.5 to 5 hrs for an average person, you complete by 9.30 pm. You have your dinner and can go to sleep and rest your tired limbs. You can also start at 8.00 pm after having a light dinner and come back to your room by 1 am. Or you can start early morning by 4 am, complete Girivalam by 9 am, take a darshan of Lord Arunachala in the temple, have a heavy breakfast and come back to your room to fall exhausted on your bed! Don't forget to visit the eight Agniteerthams or small Shiva temples on the way during your Girivalam. Also, please take time to visit the Ramana Maharshi Ashram nearby.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 March 2024
- Global651479783422 contributionsThe beauty of silently energising GirivalamOn 28th April 2024 at 2.30a.m early morning myself and Reju (Husband) started our Girivalam from infront of Rajagopuram(East) of the Temple. We stayed at Hotel Athena, about 1Km from here. Our car could be parked on the northside of the temple. We started barefoot but carried socks and half a litre of water in backpack. The route is well lit and has walkers throughout the night.We walked mostly through the middle of the tarred road surface to avoid fine but rough dust. We are used to walking with slipper even inside our house!! Also, hardly does any morning walk too. So it was a surprise that we completed the walk in 5hrs 10min. However at 8Km distance we decided to put on our socks. We took rest on the various benches along the route and visited the clean public toilets too. The 8 nos. of Sivalingams enroute is a must visit and is well demarcated with boards.The state PWD has put up huge boards giving an idea of your relative coordinates at a number of places enroute(Pls see pic). The energy that gripped us to complete the 14Km walk is amazing. We have not walked even 2Km anytime in the last 2-3 yrs!!! The visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple the day before at 5.30p.m was also awesome. I was lucky to see the aarathi in close quarters. We visited the serene Ramanamaharshi ashram and Yogi Ram SuratKumar ashram after the temple visit.This ashram has lullaby song at 8p.m to the revered yogi.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- Bhu _SriniBengaluru, India2 contributionsSpiritual connectPerforming Girivalam (circumabulation around hill) on a full moon day is a divine adventure. Though Girivalam can be performed on all days, doing it on the full moon days are more significant. Walking around the sacred Arunachala hill brings utmost peace and satisfaction to the mind and soul. Arunachaleshwara temple and many other small temples are present in and around the Tiruvannamalai town. Make time to visit the Ramanashrama, Seshadhri Swami ashram and many more ashrams located in Tiruvannamalai to enhance your spiritual journey. Note :- 1. Please be cautious of ur health status and condition before embarking on Girivalam. It takes an average of 4-5 hours for an amateur with breaks and temple visits on the Girivalam route to cover the 14km distance. 2. Most of the devotees walk barefooted on the Girivalam path, but some who are not used to walking barefooted; can wear socks/ footwear. The Girivalam path has both pavement and tar/asphalt road. 3. Autorickshaws are also available. (For girivalam) 4. Fellow travellers are requested to help maintain the sacred hill clean and tidy by not littering waste around the path. It not only makes the place untidy, but also causes discomfort to fellow devotees while they are walking around barefooted. Designated dustbins are available to throw the trash. 5. Public restrooms and seating areas are available at convenient locations along the path. Many snack/refreshment shops are also present enroute. 6. Carry enough drinking water (and small refreshment) to keep yourself hydrated while performing the Girivalam on foot.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 August 2024
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Ganesh Kalyansundaram
Bengaluru, India4 contributions
Dec 2022
We managed to go when it was raining. Started at around 11:20 am from the temple entrance and finished at around 2:45 pm, so did not face the brunt of the sun beating down on us. Since most people don't wear footwear while doing this, I would not recommend people to do this in the afternoon. Start very early or late evening.
If it is raining, I would recommend carrying umbrellas (or ponchos like we did) to make sure you don't get drenched. There's plenty of shops to buy water from, so you may just want to buy stuff along the way.
Half of the 14-15 kms has a path so you would be able to walk on that, but for the rest you'd pretty much be walking on tar roads.
If it is raining, I would recommend carrying umbrellas (or ponchos like we did) to make sure you don't get drenched. There's plenty of shops to buy water from, so you may just want to buy stuff along the way.
Half of the 14-15 kms has a path so you would be able to walk on that, but for the rest you'd pretty much be walking on tar roads.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amit Shah
Mumbai, India26 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Did the Girivalam on Pournima since it has its own significance.
Make sure you start by 5 pm, since in the later evening the crowds increase manyfolds.
May lord Shiva bless all.
All the best.
Make sure you start by 5 pm, since in the later evening the crowds increase manyfolds.
May lord Shiva bless all.
All the best.
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iris1926
Ahmedabad, India99 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
It was a very good experience. I've already done it four times now. Girivalam actually means taking a round around the holy giri (mountain). It is said that Lord Arunachala (Shiva) actually manifested himself as the mountain. He does not reside on the mountain, but he is the mountain.
The Girivalam is about 14 kms., so for an average person it takes about 4.5-5 hours to cover it. The Girivalam is supposed to be covered by foot only. And that too, with no footwear. Earlier, the roads were bad, infact there was no proper road. But now with the help of Rajnikanth's donations, proper roads and footpaths have been constructed to ease the pain of devotees.
Now for those who find it difficult to walk without any footwear, you can opt for thick socks.
Along the way, there are eight Shiva Lingam temples which one must visit and pay obeisance to.
The timing of the walk is also paramount. If you start your walk after 8 am, you'll get caught in the heat of the sun, and the heat at Tiruvannamalai is legendary. So try walking after 5.30-6 pm and come back to your hotel by 10 pm. Or you can start by 8 pm after dinner and return to hotel to sleep. Or alternatively you can start early morning 4 pm and return by 9 am. Have breakfast and go to sleep. In this way, you can avoid the direct sunlight.
The Girivalam is about 14 kms., so for an average person it takes about 4.5-5 hours to cover it. The Girivalam is supposed to be covered by foot only. And that too, with no footwear. Earlier, the roads were bad, infact there was no proper road. But now with the help of Rajnikanth's donations, proper roads and footpaths have been constructed to ease the pain of devotees.
Now for those who find it difficult to walk without any footwear, you can opt for thick socks.
Along the way, there are eight Shiva Lingam temples which one must visit and pay obeisance to.
The timing of the walk is also paramount. If you start your walk after 8 am, you'll get caught in the heat of the sun, and the heat at Tiruvannamalai is legendary. So try walking after 5.30-6 pm and come back to your hotel by 10 pm. Or you can start by 8 pm after dinner and return to hotel to sleep. Or alternatively you can start early morning 4 pm and return by 9 am. Have breakfast and go to sleep. In this way, you can avoid the direct sunlight.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abitha N
Chennai District, India16 contributions
Jan 2020
I was wishing to do girivalam for a long time but now only I had a Chance .
I was afraid of walking without footwear but still managed it well .
But I recommend having a socks (thick one preferably ) for those unable to walk with bare foots.The initial few km were literally road along with dirts and dust and found it difficult to walk with bare foot
If you are doing girivalam like me on no pournami day then would suggest to start it little early (as 3 PM) if you can manage a little heat .This is Possible till Feb not in the summer
Because by 9 PM they close all lingams and we can see all the ashta linga from the gate
I reached Tiruvanamalai around 7 m in the morning.
At 8 ,Took a auto and made a darshan of 8 lingams in the girivala path and also visited ashrams and small temples in the route
I completed all this by 11.30 am . Got great darshan in all places and no hurry in any place.
After this ,
Went straight to the temple and had a darshan .IThere was no crowd
Since it is thai month the temple will be opened all day (otherwise temple close by 12 and reopen by 4] .
Had lunch and stayed in a room near by .hotel Arunchala.
Around 4.30 I started girivalam and with 2 rest in between was able to completed it by 8 PM .
By 9 reached the Rajagopuram and had one more time darshan of Lord Arunachala and came back to room
Started to chennai next day morning after breakfast
I was afraid of walking without footwear but still managed it well .
But I recommend having a socks (thick one preferably ) for those unable to walk with bare foots.The initial few km were literally road along with dirts and dust and found it difficult to walk with bare foot
If you are doing girivalam like me on no pournami day then would suggest to start it little early (as 3 PM) if you can manage a little heat .This is Possible till Feb not in the summer
Because by 9 PM they close all lingams and we can see all the ashta linga from the gate
I reached Tiruvanamalai around 7 m in the morning.
At 8 ,Took a auto and made a darshan of 8 lingams in the girivala path and also visited ashrams and small temples in the route
I completed all this by 11.30 am . Got great darshan in all places and no hurry in any place.
After this ,
Went straight to the temple and had a darshan .IThere was no crowd
Since it is thai month the temple will be opened all day (otherwise temple close by 12 and reopen by 4] .
Had lunch and stayed in a room near by .hotel Arunchala.
Around 4.30 I started girivalam and with 2 rest in between was able to completed it by 8 PM .
By 9 reached the Rajagopuram and had one more time darshan of Lord Arunachala and came back to room
Started to chennai next day morning after breakfast
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ananth 727499
Tiruppur, India1,523 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
After a time period of about 11-12 years, By HIS grace, we were given a chance to visit this temple.
Starting from the temple entrance, Apart from the Ashta lingas, we could have darshan of the following temples..
(There are too many temples and ashrams. But, I have mentioned only a few..
So, kindly bear with me)
01. Yogi Ramsurat Kumar's abode (old one).
This is the place where Yogi used to stay until the completion of ashram in girivala route..
02. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
03. Kamatchi Amman temple
04. Aishwareswarar temple
05. Raja Rajeswari Amman temple
06. Adi mudi siddhar jeeva samathi
07. Surya, Chandra lingam
08. Ner annamalai temple
09. Adi Annamalai temple
10. Manikkavasagar temple
11. Guru bhagwan temple
12. Ammani ammal jeeva samathi
13. Perumal temple inside the cut road near the bus depot
14. Perumal temple near the entrance route to eesanaya lingam
15. Boodha Narayana perumal temple
Etc..
Starting from the temple entrance, Apart from the Ashta lingas, we could have darshan of the following temples..
(There are too many temples and ashrams. But, I have mentioned only a few..
So, kindly bear with me)
01. Yogi Ramsurat Kumar's abode (old one).
This is the place where Yogi used to stay until the completion of ashram in girivala route..
02. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
03. Kamatchi Amman temple
04. Aishwareswarar temple
05. Raja Rajeswari Amman temple
06. Adi mudi siddhar jeeva samathi
07. Surya, Chandra lingam
08. Ner annamalai temple
09. Adi Annamalai temple
10. Manikkavasagar temple
11. Guru bhagwan temple
12. Ammani ammal jeeva samathi
13. Perumal temple inside the cut road near the bus depot
14. Perumal temple near the entrance route to eesanaya lingam
15. Boodha Narayana perumal temple
Etc..
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour59583322451
Bengaluru, India52 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
My wife and I do Girivalam almost every year avoiding crowded days. We start around 4.30 am at the temple entrance and finish at the temple in about 4 hours. Even though we have done Girivalam several times in the past, we find the experience exhilarating every time.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhupati
4 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
Powerful god.. But management is poor. Not even giving information to unknown people. Money is the matter..at the main entrance , (if you give money not in ticket counter..). Who r on duty at the gate taking money allow them to directly to the darshan. Soo if any authority if u read this review.. respond.
Written 10 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plpalani
Mumbai, India1,584 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Even though Girivalam on poornima day is more popular , we did about two days before Poornima. The Girivalam is well lit and very safe. The portion from Arunachalaeswar temple to Indra lingam and on the final lap from Esaniya kingsman to temple is through market area and not marked properly.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl R
Dallas, TX86 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited on an afternoon. This is not a quick visit, as you have to go through metal barred pathways to each stop. When we finally exited our shoes were all the way on the opposite side, so we had to walk along the road in our bare feet. It is a beautiful temple, but I enjoy wandering around on my own to look at the site.
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gokul-00
Tamil Nadu, India28 contributions
Feb 2023
Good walk around the temple mountain, especially on new moon day. Good 4.5 hrs walk with thousands of devotees walking. After walk, the Darshanam of God was blissful. cleanessis something need to improve a lot from both public, temple and city management side.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santhosh G
Visakhapatnam, India
Can I visit arunachalam and do Girivalam on 1st nov 2024, that is Diwali? Will there be other people doing girivalam?
Written 6 October 2024
Can I do giri pradhakshana after darshan”
5 months ago
Sightseer576610
Written 17 May 2024
Yes. You can.
Just keep in mind that there is no condition such as -
# you should go for girivalam only after darshan
Or
# you must have darshan after girivalam in the temple.
Girivalam itself is like going a parikrama around mount Kailash..
So, if you don't find time to have darshan, don't feel guilty..
Written 14 July 2024
Hi Mr. Sivasankaranadm65 and all past visitors,
Greetings!
Please share the Auto no. who can take help me with Girivalam.
Written 6 March 2024
Sir,
Glad to answer by HIS grace.
Just look for an auto near temple entrance itself.
They are very much happy to show you all the important places to have darsan in the girivala path.
No issues ( this is my experience).
Written 14 July 2024
As per what we know, first giriwala and darshan.
Written 27 November 2023
In normal days Is girivalam route safe for girls in the midnight? I mean after 11 pm
Written 1 September 2023
What is the difficulty level of girivalam. Can a person with knee pain attempt it?
Written 21 February 2023
I plan to visit Thiruvannamalai on 23 February 2023 travelling from Chennai. Is it possible to have darshan in two hrs without going for girivalam and return on the same day?
Written 9 February 2023
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