Girivalam: a complete guide to the sacred walk around Arunachala

Girivalam is the 14-kilometre walk around Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai. Pilgrims have done it for at least a thousand years, and most do it at night, ideally on the full moon. This guide explains who can do it, when to go, what to wear, and what you will actually encounter on the road.

What Girivalam is

Girivalam (Tamil: giri, hill; valam, going around) is the practice of walking once around the base of Arunachala. The full circuit is about 14 kilometres on a paved road that loops the mountain. Devotees walk it clockwise, keeping the hill on their right.

The walk is also called pradakshina (Sanskrit for circumambulation). Many traditions hold that walking around a sacred place is itself an act of devotion. Around Arunachala, the practice is older than the records that describe it.

When to go

You can walk Girivalam any day, any time. The most auspicious time is Pournami ~ the night of the full moon. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims do the walk together on each Pournami night, and the road is closed to most vehicle traffic from late afternoon.

Other particularly significant days include Pradosham (the thirteenth lunar day), Krittika nakshatra, Amavasya (new moon), and Maha Shivaratri. The largest single event of the year is Karthigai Deepam, in late November or early December, when a great fire is lit at the summit of the hill.

Distance

14 kilometres (8.7 miles)

Time on foot

3 to 5 hours, depending on pace and crowds

Best starting time

Between 7pm and 10pm on Pournami; any time on quieter days

Direction

Clockwise (mountain on your right at all times)

Cost

Free

What to wear and carry

Most Indian devotees walk barefoot. This is traditional and is considered part of the practice. As a visitor, you do not need to. The road has stretches of broken tar, pebbles, and the occasional surprise; if you are not used to walking barefoot, wear comfortable shoes and you will not be the only one.

Otherwise, wear:

• Modest, comfortable clothing ~ cotton trousers or a long skirt; a shirt that covers the shoulders.
• Layers if walking through the night ~ the road can be surprisingly cool from December to February.
• Carry water (1 litre minimum), a small torch even on full-moon nights, a phone, and a small amount of cash for tea or coconut water at the roadside stalls.

The route and the eight lingams

The Girivalam road passes eight major lingam shrines (a lingam is the aniconic form in which Shiva is worshipped). Each lingam represents one of the eight directions (the ashta dik palakas, or eight guardians). Walking past all eight in order completes a symbolic circuit of the cosmos.

The eight, in the order most pilgrims pass them starting from the eastern temple gate:

1. Indra Lingam ~ east, the direction of Indra, king of the gods.
2. Agni Lingam ~ south-east, fire.
3. Yama Lingam ~ south, death.
4. Nirudhi Lingam ~ south-west.
5. Varuna Lingam ~ west, water.
6. Vayu Lingam ~ north-west, wind.
7. Kubera Lingam ~ north, wealth.
8. Esanya Lingam ~ north-east.

You do not need to enter each shrine for the walk to "count." Many pilgrims simply pause for a moment at each, fold their hands, and continue. Some stop to light a lamp.

If it is your first time

A few practical pieces of advice from people who do this regularly:

• Start earlier than you think. On Pournami nights, the road is full by 9pm. Starting at 6 or 7pm means a slower pace and less pressure.
• Eat lightly beforehand. A heavy meal does not pair with three hours of walking. Coconut water and a light snack en route is usually better.
• Walk at your own pace. There is no virtue in finishing fast. Many pilgrims pause for half an hour to sit and meditate at one of the lingams.
• Use the toilet at the start. The route has public facilities but they are basic and crowded on Pournami nights.
• You will not get lost. The road is a single loop, lit, signposted in Tamil and English, and full of people going the same way as you.

For foreign visitors

Yes, foreigners can and do walk Girivalam. It is not restricted in any way. You will be one of many ~ Tiruvannamalai has had a quiet stream of Western seekers since at least the 1930s, when Ramana Maharshi's reputation began to draw them.

A few notes specific to visitors from outside India:

• Dress modestly out of respect for the practice, not because anyone will stop you if you do not.
• You may be approached by people asking for money or selling small items. Polite declines are fine; nothing more is expected.
• You will be photographed by strangers ~ quite often. Treat it as the curiosity it is.
• If you are a woman walking alone, it is generally safe, but the late-night stretches (after midnight) are quieter; many female travellers prefer to walk with at least one companion or in the company of an obvious group of pilgrims.

Last updated 30 May 2026. Pournami dates are verified against the Arunachaleswarar temple administration; please confirm closer to the date.