Tiruvannamalai · Arunachala Hill · Free Pilgrim Companion
East · km 2.1 from Temple
South-East · km 3.8
South · km 5.5
South-West · km 7.0
West · km 8.5
North-West · km 10.2
North · km 11.8
North-East · km 13.1
Girivalam (கிரிவலம்), also called Giri Pradakshina, is the sacred circumambulation of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Devotees walk the 14 km path clockwise around the holy hill, visiting the 8 Ashtalingams. The most auspicious time is Pournami (Full Moon) night, when lakhs of pilgrims gather every month. The practice is believed to remove karma and bring Lord Shiva's blessings.
Start point: Arunachaleswarar Temple East entrance
Direction: Clockwise around the hill
Distance: 14 km total
Time needed: 3–5 hours walking
Best time: 4am–7am or after 9pm on Pournami nights
Footwear: Traditionally done barefoot
From Chennai: 188 km · 3.5 hrs by bus or car
From Bangalore: 210 km · 4 hrs
The next Pournami Girivalam is May 1, 2026. Full moon Girivalam happens every month — see the complete 2026 calendar above.
The Girivalam path around Arunachala Hill is 14 kilometres. Most pilgrims complete it in 3 to 5 hours at a moderate pace.
The 8 Ashtalingams: Indra (East), Agni (SE), Yama (South), Niruthi (SW), Varuna (West), Vayu (NW), Kubera (North), Eesanya (NE).
Yes — Girivalam Saarthi is completely free with GPS tracking, live crowd levels, Lingam detection alerts, group tracking and offline maps. No login needed. Open it at map.girivalamguide.in
Pournami (Full Moon) night is most auspicious. Best hours: 4am–7am for peace, or after 9pm on Pournami nights.
GPS tracking · Live crowd levels · Lingam alerts · Offline maps · Group tracking
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