• Giri Pradakshina duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• There is no age limit for the pradakshina
• Darshan duration: 2 to 3 hours for Rs. 50 ticket darshan.
• Dress Code: Any decent outfit. There is no dress code restriction for Tiruvannamalai temple Darshan and Pradakshina.
• It is advisable to carry an umbrella during the rainy season.
• Eatouts are available along the path.
• It is advisable not to wear footwear during pradakshina.
• Some devotees usually wear socks for comfortable walks.

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 2025 Date and Timings

Benefits of Arunchalam Giri Pradakshina

• It is said that those who perform Giri pradakshina will be relieved from the cycle of birth.
• It is believed that Chitra Gupta (one who notes down sin and virtue) will note before and after entering Arunachalam.
• One will attain mental peace and stability.
• Sages are believed to still reside on Arunachalam Hill and are in deep meditation.
• It is popularly known that childless couples will be blessed with a child after performing Giri pradakshina for 48 days.
• All your wishes will be fulfilled by performing Giri Pradakshina.
• Family well-being and positive vibes.
• Good health.

Best time for Giri Pradakshina

• It is advisable to start Pradakshina in the evening hours during the summer and in the morning hours during the rainy season.
• Darshan might take time; it is advisable to have darshan in the morning hours and then start Pradakshina.
• You will be tired after Pradakshina and will not be able to walk properly.
• You can’t even concentrate peacefully during Darshan.
• Rs. 50 will be crowded most of the time.
• Those who would like to perform Pradakshina by car should opt for other days as Pournami will be crowded.
• Please don’t take much time to relax, as it will be hard to restart.
• Plan to have minimal baggage, as you will be tired while walking.
• It is good to complete one full round, as many exit the Pradakshina path at the bus station.
• One Pradakshina means the starting and ending points should be the same.
• For those who would like to avoid the rush, it can be performed on other days instead of pournami.
• Usually, it takes 4 to 6 hours, which varies from person to person.

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Deepam Festival dates: 4 Dec 2024 to 13 Dec 2024.

Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Timings

Giri Pradakshina or Girivalam on Karthigai Deepam Day

1. The rush will be high and Giripradakshina might take long hours.
2. Usually, it takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes to complete Giripradakshinam.
3. On Karthigai Deepam day, Giripradakshina might take 6 to 7 hours.
4. Devotees can wear thick shoe socks to have less pain while walking.
5. Eat-outs are available throughout the path.
6. It is not advisable to walk wearing shoes or slippers; either you walk barefoot or with a shoe sock.
7. Please plan to start Giripradakshinam in the afternoon (if cloudy) or evening.
8. But rush might increase in the evening hours; for free and easy movement, plan to start by 3 or 4 p.m.
9. Those who are planning to have darshan after Giripradakshinam should start in the morning hours.
10. Please be prepared for Darshan, as it might take 8 to 10 hours with a Rs. 50 ticket.

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Giri Pradakshina Distance: 13.8 Km

Giri Pradakshina Duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes to 5 hours.

Best time to visit: summer and winter, i.e., Jan to Oct and Nov 3rd week to December.

The best time for Giri Pradakshina: is after 7 p.m. as devotees walk barefoot.

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Procedure

• Perform three Pradaskhina at Dakshinamurthy temple, followed by Sankalpam
• Walk for 15 meters and perform Sankalpam at Ramana Maharishi
• Walk 12 meters from here and perform Sankalpam at Swayambu Vinayaka Temple before proceeding.
• The rush will be high on full moon days. It is not mandatory to perform Pradakashina on Purnima Day.
• Those who can’t walk properly used to perform Pradakshina by car as well on other days (excluding full moon day)

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route map

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Pournami Dates

Tiruvannamalai Temple Timings

• 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
• Go Pooja at 5.00 a.m.
• Pavalimpu Seva at 9.30 p.m.
• Darshan Ticket counter Timings: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ramana Maharshi Ashram Timings

• 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
• 2.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
• Palabhishekam: puja from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m.
• Visesha puja from 5.00 p.m. to 5.45 p.m.

Yogiram Surat Kumar Ashram Timings

• 5.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
• Harathi from 12.00 p.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Tiruvannamalai Annaprasadam Timings

Arunachalam Temple Abhishekam Timings

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Arunachalam Temple (Also known as Annamalaiyar Temple)

Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

Temple History and Significance:

The Arunachalam Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Arunachaleshwarar or Annamalaiyar. The temple has a rich history dating back over a thousand years and holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism.

The origin of the temple can be traced back to the ancient Tamil Saiva texts, where it is mentioned as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of fire. The Arunachalam Temple is believed to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva himself, who manifested in the form of a massive column of fire (Agni) on Annamalai Hill.

The Legend of Annamalai Hill:

According to legend, once there was a dispute between Lord Brahma, the creator, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver, over their supremacy. To settle the argument, Lord Shiva took the form of a fiery column stretching between the earth and the sky. He challenged both Brahma and Vishnu to find the top and bottom of the column. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and tried to find the bottom, while Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and tried to find the top.

After searching for an extended period, they both realized the futility of their endeavors and paid homage to the infinite form of Lord Shiva. Impressed with their humility, Lord Shiva granted them his divine blessings. The place where the column of fire appeared is now known as Arunachala, and the temple was built around this sacred hill.

Arunachalam Temple Information and Architecture

The Arunachalam Temple showcases the magnificent Dravidian style of architecture. It features impressive gopurams (towering gateways) with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The temple complex comprises several halls, shrines, and courtyards, each with its unique significance and beauty.

Girivalam:

Girivalam, as mentioned before, is the practice of circumambulating the sacred Annamalai Hill. The path around the hill is approximately 14 kilometers long and is considered highly auspicious. Devotees undertake this sacred walk, especially during full moon days, and it is believed to cleanse one’s soul and bring spiritual benefits.

Karthigai Deepam Festival:

The Karthigai Deepam festival is the most significant annual celebration at the Arunachalam Temple. It usually falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December) and coincides with the full moon day. The festival involves the lighting of a gigantic lamp (Deepam) on top of Annamalai Hill. This act is considered highly auspicious and attracts a large number of devotees from all over the country.

Other Festivals:

Apart from Karthigai Deepam, the temple celebrates various other festivals throughout the year, including Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram, and Arudra Darshan.

Pilgrimage and Accessibility:

The Arunachalam Temple is a significant pilgrimage destination, and millions of devotees visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Arunachaleshwarar. Tiruvannamalai is well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible from major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.

Arunachalam Temple Facilities Information

The temple provides various facilities to pilgrims, including accommodation, prasad distribution, and clean drinking water. Several shops and stalls around the temple complex offer religious items, souvenirs, and food for visitors.

The Arunachalam Temple conducts various poojas and rituals throughout the day to worship and honor Lord Arunachaleshwarar. The poojas held at the temple include:

Nitya Poojas:

These are daily rituals performed by the deity at specific times.

Ushakala Pooja:

The early morning pooja is performed during sunrise.

Kala Sandhi Pooja:

Pooja performed at noon.

Sayaratchai Pooja:

Pooja performed in the evening.

Arthajama Pooja:

The final pooja of the day is performed before nightfall.

Abhishekam:

The ritual of bathing the deity with holy substances like milk, honey, ghee, and water while chanting sacred mantras.

Archanai:

Devotees can offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deity during specific times.

Deepa Aradhana:

Lighting oil lamps in front of the deity.

Rudra Homam:

A sacred fire ritual is performed to seek blessings and protection from Lord Shiva.

Panchamrutha Abhishekam:

An abhishekam uses five sacred items, namely milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar, to the deity.

Girivalam:

As mentioned earlier, Girivalam is the practice of circumambulating the Annamalai Hill, which is considered a highly significant pooja at the temple.

Festive Poojas:

During festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Karthigai Deepam, and Arudra Darshan, special poojas and celebrations take place at the temple.

Note:

These are just a few of the poojas and rituals conducted at the Arunachalam Temple. The temple follows a well-defined schedule of daily, weekly, and yearly poojas to cater to the spiritual needs of devotees. Each pooja has its significance and benefits, and devotees can participate in these rituals to seek blessings, fulfillment of desires, and spiritual upliftment.

Arunachalam Temple Timings and Information

• Morning Timings:
• Monday to Sunday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Evening Timings:
• Monday to Sunday: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Arunachalam Temple Pooja abishekam Information

Poojas timings details:

Morning Poojas:

1. Ushakala Pooja: Early morning pooja performed during sunrise, usually around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM.

Daytime Poojas:

2. Kala Sandhi Pooja: Performed at noon, around 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM.

Evening Poojas:

3. Sayaratchai Pooja: Evening pooja, performed around 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Night Poojas:

4. Arthajama Pooja: The final pooja of the day, performed before nightfall, usually around 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

These timings may be subject to slight variations based on the sunrise and sunset times, as well as any specific changes made by the temple authorities.

How to reach Arunachalam:

By road:

Many buses operate from Chennai and all important towns and cities in Tamilnadu. Buses also operate from Bangalore and Tirupathi.

By train:

Arunachalam temple’s nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai. It is around 10km from the temple.

By flight:

Chennai is the nearest airport and it lies around 185 kilometers away by road.

Nearest Temples to Visit in Arunachalam:

1. Arulmigu Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Vellore.
2. Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple, Kanchipuram.
3. Arulmigu Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu.
4. Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruthani.
5. Arulmigu Thiruverkadukarumari Temple, Thiruperumputhur.

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Giri Pradakshina Total Distance: 14 Km

Total Time for Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam): 3 hours 30 mins to 4 hours (It depends on the age and other factors)

Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) Nine Linga’s Darshan

Agni Lingam is located a little inside the main road.

Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) 2023 Dates

When to Perform Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam)

Girivalam (Giripradakshina) can be performed on all days as the walking path remains open. The majority of the devotees prefer Pradakshina on full moon days. The rush will be high on full moon days. Devotees who cannot walk usually go by car/auto as well.

It is advisable to start Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) between 2.00 am and 8.00 am or 7.00 pm and 7.00 am. One can begin Giri Pradakshina at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram or the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Devotees will have Arunachaleswarar Darshan after Girivalam.

Instructions to Perform Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam)

1. One should perform with bare feet. Please don’t wear footwear while performing, whether by car, bus, or on foot.
2. It is advisable not to carry any luggage during this time
3. Restrooms are available throughout the path
4. Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) is to be performed in a clockwise direction.
5. Not to perform Giri Pradakshina alone during nighttime or early hours.
6. Please take a bath and wear a traditional dress.
7. Not to wear a hat while performing Pradakshina
8. Please walk on the left side; it is believed that Rishi walks on the right side.
9. Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi said that one should start from Brahma Lingam and End at Brahma Lingam while performing Girivalam (Giri Pradaskhina)

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The crowd will be high on Every Pournami day. The devotees will circumambulate the Holy Hill. In this process, the devotees will cover a distance of 14 Km which takes 2 hours 30 mins to 4 hours.

Tiruvannamalai Girivalam Dates 2020

Jan 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 9Jan, 2:45 am
• Ending Date and Time: 10Jan, 1:43 am

Feb 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 8Feb, 1:43 pm
• Ending Date and Time: 9Feb, 12:43 pm

Mar 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 8Mar, 8:27 pm
• Ending Date and Time: 9Mar, 8:30 pm

Apr 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 7Apr, 11:01 am
• Ending Date and Time: 8Apr, 8:05 am

May 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 6May, 7:01 pm
• Ending Date and Time: 7May, 5:51 pm

Jun 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 4Jun, 2:52 am
• Ending Date and Time: 5Jun, 2:42 am

Jul 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 4Jul, 10:53 am
• Ending Date and Time: 5Jul, 9:55 am

Aug 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 2Aug, 10:40 am
• Ending Date and Time: 3Aug, 11:04 am

Sep 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 1Sep, 10:40 am
• Ending Date and Time: 2Sep, 11:04 am

Oct 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 30Sep, 1:59 am
• Ending Date and Time: 1Oct, 3:07 am

Nov 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 29Nov, 1:17 pm
• Ending Date and Time: 30Nov, 2:23 pm

Dec 2020 Giripradakshina Date

• Starting Date and Time: 29Dec, 8:30 am
• Ending Date and Time: 30Dec, 8:38 am

How to reach Tiruvannamalai Temple?

By Road

• The direct bus is available from all major cities in TamilNadu.
• The direct bus is available from Tirupati, Bangalore cities

By Train

• The direct train is available from Tirupati, Chennai all other cities in Tamilnadu.

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Girivalam Duration: 2 to 4 hours. As it depends on the health condition.

Total Distance covered: 14 Km.

Dress Code: Any decent outfit.

Darshan might take 4 to 5 hours on Pournami Girivalam (Giripradakshinam) day

Four entrances are available to start Giripradakshina.

Tiruvannamalai Girivalam (Giripradakshina) 2020 Date and Timings

Tiruvannamalai Girivalam 2020 Days

• 10Jan – Friday
• 8Feb – Saturday
• 8Mar – Sunday
• 7Apr – Tuesday
• 6May – Wednesday
• 4Jun – Thursday
• 4Jul – Staurday
• 2Aug – Sunday
• 1Sep – Tuesday
• 1Oct – Thursday
• 30Oct – Friday
• 29Nov – Sunday
• 29Dec – Tuesday

Facilities available along the path

1. Annadanam will be performed at every 2 Km
2. Water facility available at every 1 Km points.
3. One restroom is available at Saibaba Temple and the other is available at Kubera Lingam

For Advance Room Booking, please call @ 85000 85151

How to reach Tiruvannamalai Temple?

By Road

• The direct bus is available from all major cities in TamilNadu.
• The direct bus is available from Tirupati, Bangalore cities

By Train

• The direct train is available from Tirupati, Chennai all other cities in Tamilnadu.

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Darshan Dress Code: Any decent outfit

Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings

Morning Hours: 5:30 am – 12:30 pm

Evening Hours: 3:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

Darshan Queue line length: 800 mt (approx)

The above-mentioned timings differ on festival days.

Tiruvannamalai Temple Special Darshan Ticket

Free Darshan Duration: 30 – 45 mins during weekdays.

Special Darshan Ticket Cost: Rs.50 per person.

Special Darshan Duration: 15 – 20 mins during weekdays.

Darshan Ticket Counter Timings: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Abhishekam Darshan Ticket cost: Rs.250 per person.

Darshan duration varies on Festival days such as Girivalam Day, Sivaratri festival days, Karthika Masam etc.

Archana Ticket Cost: Rs.5 per person.

Advance booking is not available for Special Darshan tickets.

On Pournami day, Darshan might take 7 – 8 hours.

Tiruvannamalai temple darshan for Senior Citizens/ Physically Challenged/ Patients

The devotees are allowed thru Rs.50 Entry gate.

Wheelchair facility available till the entry point.

Darshan duration: 15 -20 mins during weekdays.

Kalyanakatta (Hair Offering) at Tiruvannamalai

Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Ticket Cost: Free.

Location: Near Temple Entrance.

Tiruvannamalai Prasadam Details

Prasadam Counter Timings: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm

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Ticket Cost: Free entry for all devotees.

Dress Code: Any decent outfit.

Darshan Waiting Time: 5- 6 hours. Crowd will be high on these days.

It is going to be normal darshan for all on these dates.

Tiruvannamalai Girivalam 2019 dates

1. Walking Distance: 9 Km
2. Total Girivalam Time: 3 – 4 hours. Depends on the health.
3. The devotees can walk anytime in between the mentioned timings.
4. The devotees who cannot walk will go by Auto or Car around the hill.
5. Early hours or Late hours is advisable if planning by vehicle due to crowd.
6. It is believed that devotees who perform Girivalam on these days will be blessed with Good future, Health, Children and Good spouse.

Reference Link: Girivalam History

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Tiruvannamalai accommodation Booking

1. Temple Cottages are not available for the stay.
2. Private room charges will be high on Pournami and other festival days.
3. Booking is required, as there is limited accommodation available near the temple.
4. The crowd will be at its peak on Girivalam days.
5. Most of the hotels offer standard check-in from 12:00 pm to 12:00 pm.
6. Online websites are available for room booking.
7. For a 24-hour check-in, please visit Tripnetra
8. Free food is available for the devotees. 12:00 pm-2:00 pm.
9. Rooms at Ramanasramam are meant for Bhagavan devotees.

Best Time to Visit: Normal days (other than Pournami days) and Karthika Masam days.

Tiruvannamalai will be heavily crowded on Karthika Pournami day. Room charges will be around Rs. 7000 – Rs. 15000 on this special day.

How to reach Arunachalam Temple?

1. From Chennai, the temple is 207 km away; it takes 3 hours and 45 minutes by car and 4 hours and 30 minutes by bus.
2. Daily trains are available from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai. Special trains will be available on this day.
3. Thiruvannamalai is well-connected with all parts of Tamil Nadu.
4. Chennai and Villupuram provide routes to Thiruvannamalai. Villupuram is 61 km away.

Reference Link: Temple History

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