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

Name Cardinal

direction Installed By

Dominant

Navagraha Benefits of Worship Picture

Indra Lingam East Lord Indiran, the king

of Celestials

Sun and Sukiran Long life and fame

Agni Lingam South East Lord Agni (God of

Fire)

Chandran (Moon) Relief from diseases

and fear

Yama Lingam South Yama, God of Death Sevvai Longevity of life span

Niruthilingam South West Niruthi, the king of

giants

Raghu Health, Wealth and

Fame. Issueless can get

children.

Varunalingam West Varuna, the God of

Rain

Sani (Saturn) Relief from illness

Especially water

related diseases

Vayulingam North West Vayu the God of air Kedhu Relief from illness

especially the heart

diseases, breathing and

stomach problems

Kupera Lingam North Kuperan, the God of

Wealth

Guru Wealth and

improvement in life

status

Easanya Lingam North East Easanyan Budhan Peace of mind