Why Girivalam Pradakshina: Discovering the Spiritual and Health Benefits of Circumambulating Arunachala

Introduction to Girivalam Pradakshina

Tiruvannamalai, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and seekers of enlightenment. The town is centered around the sacred Arunachala Hill, which is revered as a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. One of the most profound spiritual practices associated with this sacred mountain is the "Girivalam Pradakshina" – the act of circumambulating the holy hill. The word "Girivalam" is derived from two Tamil words: "Giri" meaning mountain, and "Valam" meaning going around. It refers to the sacred practice of walking around the mountain. "Pradakshina" is a Sanskrit term that refers to circumambulation, traditionally done around a deity or temple, symbolizing respect and reverence.

But why do millions of devotees undertake this 14-kilometer circumambulation, especially during the full moon? This spiritual tradition is deeply embedded in the town's history and mythology, particularly tied to the legends of great sages like Arunagirinathar, the sacred flower Parijata, and the compassion of Adimudi Siddhar Swami, who paved the way for the Girivalam road. This blog explores the significance, history, and spiritual reasons for performing Girivalam Pradakshina, a journey of faith that transforms the lives of millions.

The First Pradakshina: Ganesha’s Divine Circumambulation

Before delving into the significance of Girivalam, it's important to understand the origins of Pradakshina itself. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, is said to have performed the first Pradakshina. In a competition to determine who could circumnavigate the universe the fastest, Ganesha, with his great wisdom, simply walked around his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, declaring that they symbolized the entire universe for him. This act of devotion and intelligence immortalized the practice of Pradakshina, wherein devotees walk around a deity, symbolizing a full acknowledgment of divine presence.

For those who walk the Girivalam Pradakshina around Arunachala Hill, the experience is considered not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one. They believe that by walking around the hill, they are circumambulating Lord Shiva himself, thereby seeking his divine grace and blessings.

The Legend of Arunagirinathar and the Parijata Flower

One of the most fascinating legends associated with Girivalam Pradakshina is that of Arunagirinathar, a revered sage who lived around 550 BC in Tiruvannamalai. Arunagirinathar was known for his deep devotion to Lord Muruga (Kartikeya), the son of Shiva and Parvati. According to local folklore, as soon as one enters the grand Arunachaleshwarar Temple, the first shrine encountered is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This specific shrine is called "Khambattu Ilayanaar," referring to the time when Muruga appeared from a pillar to bless the devotees.

The sage Arunagirinathar was famous for his spiritual prowess. At one point, he was tasked by some Kabaligas (a sect) to cure a king's partial blindness. To accomplish this, the sage transformed into a parrot and flew to heaven in search of the divine Parijata flower. This heavenly flower is believed to possess extraordinary healing powers, capable of curing any bodily ailment. However, while Arunagirinathar was in his parrot form, his enemies burned his physical body, trapping him in his parrot form forever. Legend has it that the sage never left Tiruvannamalai and that he resides in the "Kili Gopuram" (Parrot Tower) of the temple, watching over the devotees to this day.

The Parijata flower, which Arunagirinathar brought back, is said to have been dropped somewhere on Arunachala Hill, though the exact location remains a mystery. It is believed that the flower becomes activated during the full moon, infusing the mountain with healing properties. This belief is one of the reasons why millions of people undertake the Girivalam Pradakshina during the full moon, not only to worship the mountain as a form of Shiva but also to receive the healing benefits of the sacred Parijata flower.

Adimudi Siddhar and the Creation of the Girivalam Path

Another legendary figure closely associated with Girivalam is Adimudi Siddhar, a renowned Siddhar (a yogi with mystical powers) who was instrumental in creating the Girivalam path. It is said that Adimudi Siddhar once instructed the locals to roll his body, wrapped in straw, around the base of Arunachala Hill to mark the path of Girivalam. He believed that by creating this path, people could benefit from the sacred energy of the hill and find healing for their ailments.

The path he created was narrow, just six feet wide, as the Siddhar himself stood six feet tall. His samadhi (final resting place) is located on the Girivalam route, directly opposite Gautama Maharishi’s ashram. To this day, devotees stop at the samadhi to pay their respects and receive blessings during their circumambulation.

Behind the samadhi is a smaller hill known as "Unnamalai," which means the fasting mountain. The name comes from another significant legend tied to Goddess Parvati. It is said that when Lord Shiva manifested as a pillar of fire on Arunachala, Parvati and her two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, were searching for him. Upon seeing the magnificent mountain, Parvati wondered how she could become one with Lord Shiva. Gautama Maharishi, a sage, advised her to fast for 40 days, after which she could merge with Arunachala. Following the fasting, Parvati became one with the mountain, which is why this particular section of the Girivalam route is considered ideal for fasting.

The Spiritual Benefits of Girivalam Pradakshina

Girivalam Pradakshina is not just a walk; it is a deeply spiritual act with numerous benefits. Many devotees believe that by walking the 14 kilometers around Arunachala Hill, they receive divine blessings, healing, and spiritual elevation. The route is dotted with eight major Shiva lingams – Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam, and Isanya Lingam – each representing a different direction and aspect of life.

Performing Pradakshina during the full moon is considered especially powerful because it is believed that the spiritual energy of Arunachala is at its peak. The atmosphere is charged with divine vibrations, and the collective devotion of thousands of pilgrims enhances the experience for everyone. Additionally, it is believed that fasting while performing the Pradakshina amplifies the spiritual benefits, allowing devotees to cleanse both their bodies and souls.

Unnamalai Hill and Annapurna’s Blessings

An interesting aspect of the Girivalam route is the Unnamalai Hill, which symbolizes fasting. As mentioned earlier, Parvati fasted here to unite with Lord Shiva, and this act of penance is honored by devotees today. Interestingly, this area of the Girivalam route, from Niruthi Lingam to Surya Lingam, is also known for the abundant "annadanam" (food offerings) provided to pilgrims. This tradition stems from the belief that Annapurna, the goddess of food, blesses devotees with nourishment after their fast.

Many devotees who walk Girivalam believe that they receive divine sustenance, both spiritual and physical, during their journey. The practice of annadanam is seen as a way to give back to the community and honor the goddess who nourishes all beings.

Conclusion

Girivalam Pradakshina is a spiritual journey that has captivated the hearts and minds of millions for centuries. The legends of sages like Arunagirinathar and Adimudi Siddhar, the mystical properties of the Parijata flower, and the compassionate acts of Goddess Parvati all contribute to the profound significance of this sacred practice. For those who walk the 14-kilometer path around Arunachala Hill, it is not just a physical pilgrimage but a transformative experience that brings healing, divine blessings, and a deep connection to the divine.

As devotees continue to walk the Girivalam Pradakshina under the full moon, they are not only honoring the traditions of the past but also partaking in a timeless spiritual practice that promises to bring them closer to the ultimate truth – the union with the divine represented by the holy mountain of Arunachala.

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