In most of the holy places the Deity is found atop the hill. But here the Holy hill itself is the Deity (Lord
Annamalaiyar) and is worshipped. "Arunam" means sun and denotes the red colour of fire. "Asalam" means "Giri" or
"malai" (mountain). Thus "Arunachalam" means the Holy Hill which is red in colour. The Holy hill is 2668 ft. high.
The Annamalai Hill was Agni (fire) during Kirthayugam, was Manikkam (Emerad) during Threthayugam, was Pon
(Gold) during Dwaparayugam and rock during Kaliyugam.
There are eight lingams located at the eight directions and provides an octagonal structure to Thiruvannamalai Town.
The eight lingams are: Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam,
Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. The Adi Annamalai Temple glorified in Dhevaram is located on this path. The
circumambulation path is 14 kilometres. History has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. It is
auspicious to perform "Girilvalam" during every Full moon day which would do immense good. It is because during
Full Moon Day siddhars movement would be there and the whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of
herbal plants. This will provide peace of mind and good health to body. It is a proven fact that on every Full moon
day lakhs of devotees circumambulate the Hill and get all benefits by praying to Lord Annamalaiyar . The
circumambulation path has been provided with sodium lamps at the expense of 12 lakhs donated by cine artist Thiru
Rajinikanth. This benefits pilgrims who perform circumambulation during night times. On behalf of Town
administration bore well pumps are erected to supply drinking water to pilgrims. Moreover for the benefit of the
devotees during special occasions annadhanam is performed by Sri Agasthiar Ashram, and so many donors. Milk is
distributed by certain well wishers.
Significance of Worshipping Asta Lingams in Girivalam
Cardinal
Dominant
Name
Installed By
Benefits of Worship Picture
direction
Navagraha
Indra Lingam
East
Agni Lingam
South East
Yama Lingam
South
Niruthilingam
Varunalingam
Vayulingam
Sevvai
Raghu
Sani (Saturn)
Kedhu
Guru
Wealth and
improvement in life
status
Easanyan
Budhan
Peace of mind
West
Kupera Lingam
North
Easanya Lingam
North East