Arunachalam Temple An independent guide to Tiruvannamalai

First-time Girivalam

If this is your first Girivalam, keep it simple: take darshan, set out from the east gopuram with water and a little cash, keep the hill on your right, and walk at your own pace. Here's a checklist and a plan.

Reviewed by the ArunachalamTemple.org editorial team Last updated: Editorial policy

Arunachala hill under white clouds, seen from the Anna Arch junction in Tiruvannamalai
Photo: Adityamadhav83, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Checklist: what to carry

TakeWhy
Water (1 litre or more)Refill at stalls; there are many more on Pournami
Small cashTea, snacks, offerings, an auto back if needed
Phone in a front pocketCrowds on full-moon nights are dense
Cloth bagSingle-use plastic is banned in Tamil Nadu
Small towel or clothSweat, dust, and to sit on at stops
TorchSome stretches are darker on ordinary nights
Cotton socks or light sandalsIf not walking barefoot
Any regular medicinesWalking 14 km is a real effort

Leave behind: valuables, large bags, and anything you would hate to lose in a crowd.

What to wear

Light, modest cotton clothes you can walk 14 km in. If you plan to take darshan before or after, follow the temple dress code.

Barefoot or not?

Walking barefoot is the tradition and many pilgrims value it. It is not compulsory. The road is tarred and absorbs heat, so:

  • walk barefoot only after sunset or before about 9 AM;
  • consider cotton socks as a middle path;
  • wear footwear if you are elderly, diabetic, or have any foot or joint problems.

A simple plan

  1. Pick your time. A Pournami night for the atmosphere, or a weekday dawn for quiet. See the Pournami calendar.
  2. Take darshan at the temple, then start from the east Rajagopuram.
  3. Keep the hill on your right, and walk on the left side of the road.
  4. Stop at the lingams in order: Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Esanya. See the 8 Lingams.
  5. Rest when you need to. There is no prize for speed.
  6. Finish where you started, and many pilgrims end with darshan at the temple.

Etiquette on the path

  • Walk in a devotional or at least a quiet frame of mind. Many chant Om Namah Shivaya or Arunachala Shiva, or walk in silence.
  • Don’t play loud music.
  • Don’t litter. Use the bins, or carry rubbish back.
  • Give way to elderly walkers and families.

How long it will take

Four to six hours for most people. Estimate your own time with the Girivalam calculator.

Common questions

What should I carry for Girivalam?

Water, a small amount of cash, a phone in a front pocket, a cloth bag, a small towel, and a torch if walking at night. Add cotton socks or light footwear if you are not walking barefoot.

Can I wear footwear for Girivalam?

Yes. Walking barefoot is traditional but not required. Many pilgrims wear cotton socks or light sandals, especially in the heat.

Can I eat during Girivalam?

Yes. Tea stalls and snack stalls line the route, and devotee groups often distribute food on full-moon nights. Many pilgrims prefer to walk on a light stomach.

Sources & references

  1. Full Moon Day (Girivalam)Tiruvannamalai District AdministrationGovernment of Tamil Nadu · checked27 September 2026
  2. Etiquette around ArunachalaSri RamanasramamInstitution · checked27 September 2026

Please verify important timings and festival dates with official sources before travelling.

This is an independent informational guide, not the official temple website. For darshan tickets, sevas and donations, use the official HR&CE temple website.