Arunachala
”Dawn Mountain”
The Kailash of the South

Your visit of a life-time

Experience the picturesque mountain backdrop, stroll through our organic farm, and savor farm-to-table cuisine.

You and your group can also book the entire

Just a small selection of the many offerings for guests at Arunamangala:

1. Meditation

2. Yoga Classes

3. Nature Walks and Hikes

4. Organic Farm Tours and Workshops

5. Spiritual Workshops

6. Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences

7. Night Sky Meditation

Tiruvannamalai

A revered town in Tamil Nadu, India, Tiruvannamalai is celebrated for its profound spiritual significance and its profound association with Lord Shiva and the Siddhas. The sacred hill, Arunachala, is regarded as one of the most sacred spiritual sites in southern India. In Hindu the tradition, Arunachala is revered as a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself.

Significance of Tiruvannamalai

  1. The Legend of Arunachala: According to ancient lore, Lord Shiva manifested as a colossal pillar of fire atop Arunachala Hill to resolve a cosmic dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over their supremacy. Despite their efforts, neither deity could ascertain the limits of this fiery column, ultimately recognizing the boundlessness of Shiva’s essence and acknowledging his supremacy.

  2. Shiva’s Abode: Arunachala is venerated as one of the Panchabhuta Stalas, symbolizing the element of fire or Agni. It is believed to be the source of the divine light and energy of Lord Shiva, radiating his presence throughout the cosmos.

  3. Sri Ramana Maharshi: The esteemed modern sage Sri Ramana Maharshi, deeply venerated in spiritual circles, spent the majority of his life at the foot of Arunachala Hill. His teachings and spiritual practices have drawn countless seekers to Tiruvannamalai, further enhancing its spiritual allure.

Girivalam - Circumambulation of the Mountain

Walking around Arunachala Hill, known as Girivalam or Giri Pradakshina, is regarded as an immensely sacred practice in Hindu spirituality, particularly among devotees of Lord Shiva.

Spiritual Significance

  1. Divine Circuit: Arunachala Hill is revered as a physical embodiment of Lord Shiva, representing the divine light and cosmic energy of the universe. Circumambulating the hill is considered an act of deep reverence and devotion, symbolizing the spiritual journey encircling the divine presence and aligning oneself with the cosmic forces.

  2. Puranic Traditions: According to ancient scriptures and legends, walking around the hill is believed to bestow spiritual merit and purification upon the devotee. It is said that Lord Shiva resides within the hill, and by performing Girivalam, devotees honour the deity and seek his blessings.

  3. The Sacred Path: The Girivalam route spans approximately 14 km and is imbued with potent spiritual vibrations. The path meanders through several sacred sites, including the ashta lingams (eight consecrated lingams) and various temples, further amplifying its sanctity.

Symbolic Aspects

  1. Act of Devotion: For many devotees, Girivalam is a profound expression of devotion and surrender. It offers an opportunity for meditation, introspection, and communion with the divine while being physically present in a consecrated space.

  2. Physical and Mental Benefits: The practice of circumambulating the hill serves not only as a spiritual exercise but also as a physical one. It is seen as a form of penance, believed to contribute to mental and physical purification.

  3. Community and Pilgrimage: Girivalam is often undertaken in groups, fostering a strong sense of community and shared spiritual purpose. It is also a pilgrimage that attracts devotees from across the globe, creating a vibrant and uplifting spiritual atmosphere.

Personal Transformation: Many devotees believe that the practice of Girivalam can lead to profound personal transformation and inner peace. It is thought to help overcome life’s obstacles, achieve spiritual aspirations, and foster a sense of unity with the divine.

Overview of the Ashta Lingams at Arunachala

  1. Indira Lingam (Indra lingam)

    • Location: East of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: This lingam is dedicated to Indra, the king of the gods and ruler of the heavens. It represents the eastern direction and embodies divine authority and cosmic order.

  2. Agni Lingam

    • Location: Southeast of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: Associated with Agni, the god of fire, this lingam represents the element of fire. It signifies transformation, purification, and the manifestation of divine energy.

  3. Yama Lingam

    • Location: South of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: Dedicated to Yama, the god of death and justice, this lingam symbolizes the southern direction. It embodies the principles of righteousness, justice, and the inevitable cycle of life and death.

  4. Kubera Lingam

    • Location: Southwest of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: This lingam is associated with Kubera, the god of wealth and prosperity. It represents the southwestern direction and signifies abundance, wealth, and material well-being.

  5. Niruthi Lingam

    • Location: West of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: Dedicated to Niruthi, the guardian deity of the west, this lingam is associated with protection and security, symbolizing stability and divine safeguarding.

  6. Varuna Lingam

    • Location: Northwest of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: This lingam is associated with Varuna, the god of water and rain, representing the northwestern direction. It symbolizes purification, nourishment, and the continuous flow of divine grace.

  7. Vayu Lingam

    • Location: North of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: Representing the wind element, this lingam is associated with Vayu, the god of air. It symbolizes the life-giving breath and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of existence.

  8. Easanya Lingam

    • Location: Northeast of Arunachala Hill.

    • Significance: Dedicated to Easanya (or Ishanya), a form of Lord Shiva associated with the northeast direction, this lingam signifies divine wisdom, spiritual awakening, and the supreme consciousness.

Each of these Ashta Lingams corresponds to one of the eight cardinal directions and plays a vital role in the spiritual practice of Girivalam. Each lingam embodies a distinct aspect of divine presence and protection, and visiting them during the circumambulation is believed to invoke the blessings and energies associated with these directions.

Planetary Associations and Spiritual Benefits of the Ashta Lingams

  1. Indira Lingam (Indra lingam)

    • Planet: Sun (Surya)

    • Significance: The Sun symbolizes authority, power, and vitality. Visiting this lingam is believed to enhance self-confidence, leadership qualities, and overall energy.

  2. Agni Lingam

    • Planet: Mars (Mangal)

    • Significance: Mars is associated with energy, courage, and transformation. This lingam is believed to aid in overcoming obstacles, boosting physical strength, and achieving success in endeavours that require determination and bravery.

  3. Yama Lingam

    • Planet: Saturn (Shani)

    • Significance: Saturn governs discipline, responsibility, and karma. Visiting this lingam is thought to alleviate challenges related to delays, hardships, and obstacles, bringing stability, patience, and a sense of justice.

  4. Kubera Lingam

    • Planet: Jupiter (Guru)

    • Significance: Jupiter is linked with wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. Visiting this lingam is believed to enhance financial stability, foster prosperity, and contribute to spiritual growth and knowledge.

  5. Niruthi Lingam

    • Planet: Rahu (North Node of the Moon)

    • Significance: Rahu is connected with ambition, materialism, and unforeseen events. Visiting this lingam is believed to help overcome negative influences, reduce confusion, and achieve personal goals.

  6. Varuna Lingam

    • Planet: Moon (Chandra)

    • Significance: The Moon represents emotions, intuition, and nourishment. Visiting this lingam can help stabilize emotions, improve mental clarity, and enhance intuition and emotional well-being.

  7. Vayu Lingam

    • Planet: Mercury (Budh)

    • Significance: Mercury governs communication, intellect, and adaptability. This lingam is believed to improve communication skills, enhance intellectual capabilities, and aid in problem-solving and learning.

8. Easanya Lingam

    • Planet: Venus (Shukra)

    • Significance: Venus is associated with love, beauty, and harmony. Visiting this lingam is thought to improve relationships, bring harmony, and enhance creativity and aesthetic sensibilities.

Benefits of Visiting the Ashta Lingams

  1. Balancing Planetary Influences: Each lingam is believed to help balance the specific planetary influences associated with it. Devotees seek to mitigate negative effects and enhance positive aspects by visiting these lingams.

  2. Spiritual Growth: The practice of visiting these lingams as part of Girivalam is a means to align oneself with divine energies, seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment.

  3. Personal and Emotional Healing: Devotees believe that visiting these lingams can bring healing and relief from personal challenges, emotional distress, and various life issues.

Achieving Goals: By connecting with the divine energies represented by each lingam, devotees aim to achieve their goals, improve their circumstances, and attain prosperity and success.

Experiences of Devotees Visiting Tiruvannamalai

  1. Spiritual Atmosphere

    • Sacred Vibes: Tiruvannamalai is renowned for its spiritual energy. The atmosphere around Arunachala Hill is suffused with a palpable sense of divine presence and tranquility, fostering deep inner peace and connection to the divine.

    • Devotional Environment: The town is replete with temples, ashrams, and spiritual centres that radiate a strong sense of devotion and spirituality, the air resonating with prayers, mantras, and devotional hymns.

  2. Spiritual Teachings

    • Sri Ramana Maharshi: The presence of Sri Ramana Maharshi’s ashram in Tiruvannamalai is a major spiritual attraction. His teachings on self-inquiry and inner realisation continue to inspire and guide seekers, with the ashram offering opportunities for meditation, learning, and spiritual reflection.

    • Satsangs and Discourses: Visitors may have the chance to attend satsangs and discourses by spiritual teachers and gurus, gaining insights into spiritual practices and philosophies.

  3. Meditative and Reflective Experiences

    • Silence and Solitude: The serene environment around Arunachala Hill and the ashrams provides an ideal setting for meditation and contemplation. Many devotees find deep inner peace and clarity here.

    • Personal Transformation: The spiritual atmosphere and practices in Tiruvannamalai often lead to profound personal transformation, healing, and growth, with many visitors reporting experiences of heightened devotion, spiritual awakening, and emotional release.

  4. Community and Devotional Practice

    • Spiritual Community: Engaging with fellow devotees and spiritual seekers fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The community spirit in Tiruvannamalai is warm and welcoming.

    • Service and Volunteering: Participating in seva (selfless service) at temples and ashrams enhances the spiritual experience and contributes to the local community.

5. Cultural and Ritualistic Experience

    • Festivals and Celebrations: Depending on the timing of the visit, devotees might witness or partake in vibrant festivals and celebrations dedicated to Lord Shiva, filled with rituals that offer a deep connection to the divine.

    • Traditional Rituals: Observing and participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies provides insight into the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Tiruvannamalai thus offers a profoundly transformative and spiritually enriching experience for devotees and spiritual practitioners alike, characterised by its sacred environment, deep devotion, and opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.