March 2026 – Gririvalam Date
From time immemorial, our ancestors followed the culture of Girivalam as a tribute of respect and devotion to this Agni Lord Arunachaleshwarar. Girivalam occurs at Tiruvannamalai one of the pilgrimage places in Tamil Nadu, India. Girivalam is followed throughout the year but it’s very auspicious especially during every full moon day (Pournami). Thousands of devotees from various parts of India and around the world gather in Tiruvannamalai during these times to participate in Girivalam. However, the most popular time for Girivalam is during the annual Karthigai Deepam festival, which usually falls in November or December.
During Girivalam, devotees typically start the walk from the Arunachaleswarar Temple, which is located at the base of the hill. As they walk, they chant prayers, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and immerse themselves in the divine atmosphere. Along the Girivalam path, there are various shrines and sacred spots that devotees visit, offering their prayers and seeking blessings.
Girivalam involves walking around the base of the Arunachala Hill in a clockwise direction. The path around the hill is approximately 14 kilometers (about 8.7 miles) long and is known as the Girivalam path. It is a significant spiritual practice for devotees who believe that walking around the holy hill will cleanse them of their sins, fulfill their wishes, and grant them spiritual blessings.