Tiruvannamalai Astalingam Temples on Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route
Tiruvannamalai, a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is home to several ancient temples that hold great historical and spiritual significance. One of the most notable routes for pilgrims is the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, which circumambulates the sacred Arunachala Hill. Along this route, there are Astalingam temples representing the eight celestial deities. This blog will explore the history of the eight Astalingams of Arunachalam and the significance of these temples, shedding light on their unique features and the spiritual journey they offer.
8 Ashtalingam in Tiruvannamalai
- Indra Lingam (East)
- Agni Lingam (South East)
- Yama (Ema) Lingam (South)
- Niruthi Lingam (South West)
- Varuna Lingam (West)
- Vayu Lingam (North West)
- Kubera Lingam (North)
- Esanya Lingam (North East)
Also Read: Arunachalam Temple Complete Guide: How to Reach & Timings
1. Indra Lingam (East)
- Located in the eastern part of the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route, the Indra Lingam is dedicated to Lord Indra, the king of the Devas (celestial beings).
- It is believed that worshiping this Lingam bestows prosperity and success in all endeavors.
- The temple also showcases intricate architectural elements, showcasing the Chola and Pandya dynasties’ artistic styles.
2. Agni Lingam (South East)
- The Agni Lingam temple is situated in the southeastern part of the route and is dedicated to Lord Agni, the god of fire.
- Devotees believe that offering prayers at this Lingam helps diminish sins and purifies the soul.
- The temple architecture predominantly features the Pallava style, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
3. Yama (Ema) Lingam (South)
- The Yama Lingam temple, positioned in the southern part of the route, pays homage to Yama, the god of death.
- Worshipping here is believed to offer protection from untimely death and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- The temple boasts Dravidian architecture, characterized by tall gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with colorful sculptures.
4. Niruthi Lingam (South West)
- The Niruthi Lingam temple occupies the southwestern position on the Giri Pradakshina Route and is dedicated to Lord Niruthi, the guardian of the southwest direction.
- Devotees visit this temple to seek protection from evil forces and negative energies.
- The temple’s architecture combines Dravidian and Chola styles, showcasing magnificent sculptures and intricate stone carvings.
5. Varuna Lingam (West)
- Located in the western part of the route, the Varuna Lingam temple venerates Varuna, the god of the oceans and rain.
- This temple is believed to bring blessings of abundant rainfall and boost agricultural productivity.
- The architecture of the Varuna Lingam temple incorporates elements of the Vijayanagara style, featuring ornate pillars and grand entrance gateways.
6. Vayu Lingam (North West)
- The Vayu Lingam temple stands in the northwestern section of the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route, dedicated to Lord Vayu, the god of wind.
- Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from respiratory ailments and gain spiritual enlightenment.
- The temple’s architectural style predominantly showcases elements of the Nayaka period, characterized by intricate stucco work and elaborate carvings.
7. Kubera Lingam (North)
- Positioned in the northern part of the route, the Kubera Lingam temple worships Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and prosperity.
- It is believed that praying at this temple can bring financial abundance and overall prosperity.
- The temple architecture features elements of the Vijayanagara style, with elaborate carvings and larger-than-life sculptures.
8. Esanya Lingam (North East)
- The Esanya Lingam temple, situated in the northeastern part of the route, pays homage to Lord Esanya, the deity who governs the northeast direction.
- Worshipping at this temple is believed to bestow both material and spiritual blessings.
- The temple showcases a unique blend of Chola and Pallava architectural styles, exhibiting intricately carved pillars and beautifully crafted statues.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Distance
The distance of the Giri Pradakshina, the circumambulation of the Arunachala Hill, is approximately 14 kilometers.
Giri Pradakshina Map
You can find a detailed map of the Giri Pradakshina route either online or at the Arunachalesvara Temple in Arunachalam. Here is a brief view of the route map.
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Time
The time taken to complete the Giri Pradakshina can vary depending on an individual’s pace. It usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the circumambulation, but it may take longer if you stop at temples or other points of interest along the way.
Giri Pradakshina Route Map
The route for the Giri Pradakshina starts and ends at the Arunachalesvara Temple. It encircles Arunachala Hill, and there are well-marked pathways along the route. Local signboards and markers indicate the direction to follow during the Giri Pradakshina.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Timings
The Giri Pradakshina can be performed at any time, as the Arunachalesvara Temple is open for darshan from 05:30 am to 08:00 pm. However, it is advisable to plan your Giri Pradakshina during daylight hours so that you can visit all the Astalingam temples.
Conclusion
The Tiruvannamalai Astalingam Temples along the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route offer a profound spiritual journey for devotees who wish to seek blessings from the celestial deities. Each temple represents a specific aspect of divinity and grants unique boons to devotees. The historical significance and architectural marvels exhibited in these temples further enhance the sacred atmosphere. Embarking on this pilgrimage and visiting each Astalingam temple allows individuals to experience a deep connection with the divine and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Tiruvannamalai.
