Why millions of pilgrims walk barefoot around a mountain in Tamil Nadu every month

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Arunachalesvara Temple is more than a structure; it is a living embodiment of fire. Dedicated to Shiva as the Agni Lingam, this massive complex at the base of the Arunachala hill serves as a spiritual anchor, drawing millions to its ancient rituals and the sacred act of circumambulation.

Located in Tiruvannamalai, the Arunachalesvara Temple is one of the five Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing the element of fire. Its presiding deity, Annamalaiyar, is worshipped as the mountain itself. The temple's significance is rooted in the Shiva Purana, which recounts how Shiva manifested as a colossal pillar of light to resolve a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. This myth is commemorated annually during the Karthigai Deepam festival, when a massive beacon is lit atop the Arunachala hill, visible for miles.

The temple's physical scale is immense, covering 10 hectares with four towering gopurams. The eastern Rajagopuram stands 66 meters tall, a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. While the core structure dates to the 9th-century Chola Empire, later dynasties—including the Vijayanagara rulers—expanded the complex, adding the famous thousand-pillared hall and intricate carvings of yali, mythical creatures combining lion and elephant features. The site has survived various political shifts, from the Pallava and Hoysala reigns to British colonial occupation.

Beyond its architecture, the temple is a center for spiritual practice. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, celebrated in 7th-century Tamil Shaiva literature. Pilgrims engage in girivalam, a 14-kilometer barefoot walk around the hill, believed to offer atonement and spiritual liberation. The site is also a Mukthi Thalam, a place of salvation, where figures like Ramana Maharshi attained profound awareness. Today, the temple remains a vibrant hub of daily rituals, music, and festivals, managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

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