Anchored by the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple and the timeless presence of Arunachala Hill, our 3-day pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai in January 2024 was a deeply spiritual experience.

Day 1 – Arrival, Darshan, and the Sacred Girivalam

We arrived in Tiruvannamalai on a January afternoon after a 4-hour drive from Chennai. The town was vibrant, with the towering gopurams of the temple welcoming all.

Temple Darshan

We checked into our hotel (Ramana Towers) and, after freshening up, proceeded to the temple for darshan. The darshan at Arunachaleswarar Temple was somewhat challenging due to the long queue of devotees. We managed to complete darshan before sunset and then moved on to the next highlight of our visit—Girivalam.

Girivalam

Girivalam (also called Giri Pradakshina) was indeed the highlight of the entire trip. It is a 14-kilometer walk around Arunachala Hill.

• Traditionally done on foot, symbolizing surrender and humility
• The path is dotted with the Ashta Lingams (eight sacred lingams), each associated with a direction and spiritual significance
• We chose to walk at night, when the atmosphere is especially serene and the weather pleasantly cool

Girivalam is not merely a ritual walk, it is an experience that gently dissolves distractions.

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Day 2 – Ashrams

The second day was dedicated to exploring the spiritual institutions that continue to preserve and radiate Tiruvannamalai’s essence.

Yogi Ram Surath Kumar Ashram

A place filled with devotion to Yogi Ram Surath Kumar, often called the “Visiri Swami.” The atmosphere here is simple yet powerful.

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram

Dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal, this ashram offers a quieter, more contemplative environment. We were fortunate to receive prasadam during our visit. There is also a canteen within the premises where we had lunch.

Sri Ramanasramam

The most profound stop of the day.

Founded around the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, the ashram is a sanctuary for seekers from around the world. A separate post covers our visit to this ashram in detail.

Day 3 – Trek to Skanda Ashram & Virupaksha Cave

The final day began with an early trek from the Ramana Ashram gate up the slopes of Arunachala.

Trek Highlights

• The path is moderately challenging but manageable with steady pacing
• Virupaksha Cave – where Ramana Maharshi spent years in deep meditation
• Skanda Ashram – offering breathtaking views of Tiruvannamalai town below

The climb is both physical and symbolic. As you ascend, the noise of the town fades, replaced by wind, silence, and stillness. The distance is approximately 1.5 km one way.

After descending back to the temple side, we concluded our journey with a drive to Chennai—carrying with us a quiet sense of fulfillment.

Tiruvannamalai, with its blend of temple traditions and living spiritual lineages, is a unique destination that gently prepares one for an inward journey.