The poets of Arunachala
From the Sangam festival of lamps to the Tevaram, Tiruvempavai and Thiruppugazh: how poetry carried Tiruvannamalai's fame.
Blog
Essays and explainers that go deeper than the guides: history, devotional literature, and how the calendar works.
Latest articles
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Ramana Maharshi's Five Hymns to Arunachala
An introduction to the devotional hymns Ramana Maharshi addressed to the hill: what they are, when he wrote them, and where to read them.
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Why Girivalam dates span two days
The Pournami tithi is a lunar day that rarely lines up with the calendar. Here's how it works, and how to choose when to start Girivalam.
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Girivalam in the monsoon: October to December 2026
The October–December 2026 full-moon windows, and practical advice for walking around Arunachala in the rainy season.
Start with the guides
- Temple guideArunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar) Temple at the foot of Arunachala: what it is, how the complex is laid out, timings, shrines, history and how to plan a visit.
- Girivalam guideComplete Girivalam guide: what it is, the 14 km route around Arunachala, the 8 Lingams, how long it takes, Pournami timing, safety, and a walking-time calculator.
- Karthigai DeepamKarthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai: the Bharani and Maha Deepam, the ten-day Brahmotsavam, its history, and planning for crowds, stay and viewing.
- How to reachHow to reach Tiruvannamalai and Arunachaleswarar Temple from Chennai, Bengaluru, Puducherry, Vellore and Tirupati by road, bus, train and air, with a distance calculator.