Guide to this Blog
Notice: Starting in August, 2012 the Forest Department has banned use of the Inner Path. This seems like a tragedy for many devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi and others who have used this path for years and still use it regularly. See these posts for more information: Inner Path Pradakshina Banned, Barriers Built to Stop Inner Path Pradakshina. There are fines for violation of this ban.
Overview
Arunachala is loved by many. This blog shows more of Arunachala than most people ever experience. These postings may remind you of what you love, or help you discover more about India and Arunachala.
We are Americans living in Tiruvannamalai because of our love for Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, and the holy mountain, Arunachala. We have lived in India for five years now, and still are learning about it. I write this blog to show some of what we encounter and experience here. We love much of what we see, and I am naturally motivated to share what I love. I have no particular expertise, but am learning as I go along.
Look below the photo for a guide to the contents of the blog. There are many good articles for you to read.

Arunachala Sunrise
Blog Contents
Below are pages that show key sections of this blog. Click on any of the links below to open an index page that shows many posts with that focus.
Local and Visitor Information
Arunachala Guide Guide to Arunachala, Pradakshina (Girivalam) route, the Inner Path and many caves. This is the most comprehensive information available about Arunachala.
Guide to Arunachala Giripradakshina The route for Arunachala Pradakshina, with its many temples and shrines. The Asta Lingams and how to approach worship at them. Giripradakshina scenes and photos.
Resources for Western Visitors to Tiruvannamalai Help finding the resources you need for a successful trip to Tiruvannamalai.
Ramana Ashram Posts showing Ramana Ashram.
Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi Timeline and Places Sri Ramana’s timeline and links to posts that show locations associated with him.
Top Things to See in Tiruvannamalai My recommendations of special places to see while you are here.
Temples, Festivals and Celebrations
Temples, Shrines, and Ashrams in South India Holy places in South India
Festivals and Celebrations in Tiruvannamalai Religious celebrations are a big part of Tamil life. See these festivals.
Tamil Rites of Passage Tamils are an ancient people. See how they celebrate the passages of life.
Travel and Touring
Touring and Travel in India Our travels within India.
Touring and Travel outside India Our travels outside India.
Other Contents
Life in South India What is life like in Tiruvannamalai for Westerners?
Spiritual Teachers and Teachings A bit on spiritual teachers, with an eye towards my teacher, Nome, and those who visit Tiruvannamalai.
Navigation
- From the main page, use the Recent Posts and Top Posts to get started viewing the blog.
- Other featured posts and series are listed above.
- On any page, clicking anywhere in Arunachala picture / blog name at the top of the page returns you to this page. This is important, since the individual pages do not have the ‘Navigation bar’ shown to the right of this page.
Comments
Comments and questions are welcome as long as they are not abusive.
As a notice to all who comment on this blog: negative behavior is not acceptable.
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Om Arunachalesvaraya Namah,
Richard Clarke

Richard and Carol
June 14, 2013 at 9:49 pm |
Mr.Richard always await for your new posts.. and also become curious to know what would be your next post…
Thank you very much…
My love to madam
Would also like to know more about spiritual sadhanas for various Sri Ramana disciples and sadhus lived and living…
Rajalakshmi
chennai
June 4, 2013 at 10:23 pm |
Dear Sir,
My name is Sathya, planning to Visit Thiruvannmalai first time and me and my wife both wanted to do Giri pradakshina , I have Two kids girl (8) and Son (4). It would be little tough for them the do pradakshina , Is there any Rickshaws ( man pulling) available in thiruvannamalai ? I’m bit nerves , Please suggest ?
June 5, 2013 at 5:10 am
There are rickshaws if you get to where it is too hard for your kids. Call Rajan 9442415221 if you do no see one. Do not be nervous.
April 6, 2013 at 11:42 am |
dear richard. thinking of purchasing a small house in the view of retirement at thiruvanmalai. need your guidance and assistance. please email me at tfeocean@hotmail.com thz
mani
February 10, 2013 at 11:50 pm |
Hello -
I am writing from South Portland, Maine
in the U.S.A. to ask if you might be able
to explain to me the circumstances
around Radha Ma’s passing in 2011.
It seems she doused the body with kerosene
and set it alight.
Can you please let me know any further
thoughts you might have on the subject.
I have been exposed to her presence through
video posted on the internet and have been
moved by her teaching. A friend recently asked
me to explain how her action wasn’t simply nihilism
or self destructive.
Thank you very much -
John C. McCain
South Portland, Maine
February 11, 2013 at 4:01 am
I cannot say anything to give you any more clarity. All I know is rumor and speculation, and none of this is helpful.