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What is Girivalam?

Girivalam (also known as Giri Pradakshina or Giri Valam) is a sacred practice of walking barefoot around the Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, covering a distance of approximately 14 kilometers. This ritual is performed by devotees in a clockwise direction and is considered a powerful spiritual journey dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to manifest in the form of the Arunachala mountain. Each step in Girivalam symbolizes humility, devotion, and a desire to attain liberation (moksha).

Why is it Done Barefoot?

Walking barefoot during Girivalam is a profound act of surrender and spiritual discipline. It represents leaving behind worldly attachments and connecting directly with the sacred earth of Arunachala. The barefoot walk signifies:

• Detachment from material comforts
• Oneness with nature and divine energy
• Surrender of ego in the presence of Lord Shiva

Saints like Sri Ramana Maharshi have emphasized the holiness of Arunachala’s soil, making every step taken barefoot a sacred offering.

Best Timings for Barefoot Girivalam

While Girivalam can be undertaken on any day, specific times are considered especially auspicious and spiritually potent:

1. Full Moon Nights (Pournami Girivalam)

• Most powerful and popular time for Girivalam.
• Lakhs of devotees gather from across India.
• The full moon energy is believed to amplify spiritual benefits and deepen meditation.
• Time: Devotees usually begin after sunset (around 6 PM) and continue throughout the night.
• Tip: Start the walk before 8 PM to complete comfortably before dawn.

2. New Moon (Amavasya) and Pradosham Days

• Powerful for spiritual purification and karmic release.
• Ideal for those seeking ancestral blessings and inner transformation.
• Recommended time: Start early evening for a quieter experience.

3. Daily Timings (Non-Festival Days)

If you’re visiting Tiruvannamalai on a non-festival day, consider these timings for comfort and devotion:

Time Slot	Reason
4:00 AM – 6:00 AM	Peaceful, cool, ideal for meditation and sunrise darshan
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

⚠️ Note: Avoid afternoons (11 AM to 4 PM), especially in summer, due to intense heat and risk of dehydration.

View 2025 Girivalam Dates

s part of the grand Karthigai Deepam festival celebrations at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, the beautifully renovated Parashakthi Amman chariot was ceremoniously pulled by devotees this morning.

The chariot procession was filled with divine chants, traditional music, and thousands of devotees offering prayers, marking a spiritually vibrant start to the Deepam festivities.

Tamil Nadu is preparing to celebrate Thirukarthigai Deepam, one of the most revered festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. This festival of divine light symbolizes purity, knowledge, and the triumph of goodness over darkness.

On the day of Thirukarthigai, devotees begin their day with an early morning bath and by lighting the first lamp at home — marking the start of the Deepam fast. Those who observe the fast traditionally avoid solid food, sustaining themselves on fruits and fruit juices throughout the day.

The highlight of the festival is the Karthigai Deepam Pooja, performed at home and in temples on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthigai. Devotees set up an altar with images of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan, decorate it with flowers, and light rows of lamps symbolizing divine energy and enlightenment.

According to custom, 27 lamps should be lit in specific places:

• Two at the entrance

• Two in the hallway

• One in the kitchen

• Four at the back of the house

• Two before the deities

• One Ema Deepam for protection from untimely death

Additionally, five lamps are lit on Bharani Deepam, marking the spiritual beginning of the festival. Devotees also visit nearby Shiva temples, lighting lamps with cow ghee, and offering prayers for prosperity and well-being.

At Tiruvannamalai, the celebration reaches its divine climax when the Maha Deepam is lit atop Arunachala Hill, representing Lord Shiva’s eternal flame. Witnessing this sacred light is considered highly auspicious and spiritually uplifting.

While Karthigai Deepam is observed throughout the month, Thirukarthigai day holds the greatest significance, coinciding with the full moon (Pournami). The festival’s date changes each year based on the lunar calendar.

As lamps glow across Tamil Nadu, Thirukarthigai Deepam reminds devotees to light not just their homes, but their hearts – with faith, wisdom, and the eternal light of the divine.