Girivalam at Tiruvannamalai
Every full moon day devotees from over the world visit Tiruvannamalai, the abode of Sri Arunachaleswara and Goddess Uma for Girivalam. The temple here is the abode of Theju or Fire, one of the five elements of the universe.
Girivalam or Malaivalam is the process of circling the hill (Giri or Malai) that house the abode of Sri Arunachalam. The auspicious day of Pournami (full moon) is symbolic in that it awakens the aspirations of a new life hopefully as bright and soothing as the moon.
The path around the hill is 15 kilometres and is dotted with more than a hundred lingams along the way. It is said that taking the Girivalam while chanting ‘Om Arunchaleswaraya Namaha’ instills a sense of detachment from the world and oneness with him.
Arulmigu Arunacahleswarar Thirukovil Maha Sivarathiri Photos
The Maha Sivarathiri festival at the Thiruvannamalai Shri Arunachaleswarar temple was celebrated by more than a lakh of devotees participating in Laksharchana, Abhishekams to the main-deity and His consort Unnamalai Amman.
Many women-folk who visited the temple participated in drawing rangolis with salt and some were indulged in lighting the compound wall with the traditional deepams.
At the temple the Lord Arunachaleswarar was performed milk, honey and rose-water abhishekams since Sunday evening to the Monday early morning.
Here are some of the pictures that were photographed when the Sivarathiri function was on.
