Significance of Giri Pradakshin of Arunachala Temple     | Fusion - WeRIndia

Arunachala or Annamalai Hill is located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the holiest places dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Arunachala or Arunachalam temple has a great significance. Ramana Maharshi, one of the popular Indian sages said that all other holy places like Varanasi, Rishikesh etc. are the abodes of Lord Shiva whereas Arunachala is Lord Siva Himself.

Arunachala Puranam stated the importance of Arunachalam as follows:

All stones in Arunachala are lingams. All trees are wish-granting trees there and water is equal to the Ganges. The food eaten there is the food of Gods and words spoken are equal to the holy scriptures. The Pradakshina is equal to pradakshina of the world.

The circumambulation of Arunachala is known as Giri Pradakshina or Giri Valam.

Devotees believe that the circumambulation of Arunachala relieves them from all sins and grants their wishes.

The pradakshina is done bare feet. Ramana Maharshi explained the meaning of pradakshina as mentioned below: ‘Pra’ stands for removal of all kinds of sins; ‘da’ stands for fulfilling of desires; ‘kshi’ stands for freedom from future births; ‘na’ stands for giving deliverance through jnana (knowledge).

Devotees should walk slowly and silently by meditating and chanting the name of the Lord and singing prayer songs while circumambulating the hill.

The total circumference of the hill is 14 km and 8 small shrines of lingams are located in this stretch. These Ashta Lingams are believed to be very sacred.

Arunachalam is visited by devotees throughout the year.

Devotees believe the Giri Pradakshina on each day of the week has different benefits.

• If the circumambulation of Arunachala is done on Sunday, it helps attain liberation.
• Those who circumambulate on Monday will be relieved from diseases of old age.
• Those who do it on Tuesday will be released from all debts.
• If it is done on Wednesday, it makes the performers wise.
• Those who circumambulate on Thursday will get fame.
• If it is done on Friday, it brings prosperity to the performer.
• Those who do it on Saturday will be blessed with worldly riches and success.

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