Know the details about the Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina Map Route Distance Location, Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina Route Distance Walking
The Ultimate Guide to Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina
Tiruvannamalai, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, is home to the sacred Arunachala Hill and the renowned Arunachaleshwarar Temple. One of the most revered rituals performed here is the ‘Giri Pradakshina’, a spiritual journey encompassing the hill. This blog post will guide you through the Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina map, route, location, distance, how to walk, and more.
Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina Map Route Distance Location
What is Giri Pradakshina?
‘Giri’ means hill in Sanskrit, and ‘Pradakshina’ signifies circumambulation. Giri Pradakshina refers to the act of walking around the Arunachala Hill1. This ritual symbolizes the surrender of the ego, representing a journey from the outer world of perception to the inner world of self-realization.
Click Here for the Tiruvannamalai Giri Pradakshina Map Online Now
The Route
The Giri Pradakshina route starts and ends at the Main Temple. It is a well-marked path that takes pilgrims around the Arunachala Hill, covering a total distance of approximately 14 kilometers. Along the route, devotees can see various temples, including the eight Ashtalingam temples, each representing a different aspect of Lord Shiva.
How to Walk
While walking the Giri Pradakshina, it’s recommended to keep the Arunachala Hill on your right side. It’s also advisable to start the walk early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the midday heat. Comfortable footwear is essential as the journey can take between 3-4 hours to complete.
Things to Know
If you’re not sure about the route, you can use the Girivalam App available on Google Play, which provides a detailed map of the entire journey. It’s also important to remember that the Giri Pradakshina is more than just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual endeavor that requires respect and reverence.
FAQs
Q: Can anyone do the Giri Pradakshina? A: Yes, anyone irrespective of their religion or belief can participate in the Giri Pradakshina.
Q: When is the best time to do the Giri Pradakshina? A: While the Giri Pradakshina can be done at any time, it is considered especially auspicious during the full moon (Purnima) days.
Q: What are the benefits of doing the Giri Pradakshina? A: Apart from the physical exercise, the Giri Pradakshina is believed to bestow spiritual benefits like peace of mind, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
In conclusion, the Giri Pradakshina at Tiruvannamalai is a journey of faith and devotion. It provides an opportunity to connect with the divine while immersing oneself in the serene beauty of Arunachala Hill.