Arunachala Guide

Arunachala is loved by many people, both Westerners and Indians, and is the reason why many come to visit Tiruvannamalai. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to Arunachala. It provides links to a number of articles about the Inner and Outer Pradakshina paths, and to even more articles that feature various aspects of the “Holy Hill.”

One reason that many people know of Arunachala is through the great Sage, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, who resided on Arunachala and in Tiruvannamalai from 1896 to his passing in 1950. Once he arrived at Arunachala he lever left.

Here are a few verses from his “Martial Garland of Letters,” speaking of his love for and devotion to Arunachala.

47. Let me dive into the true Self, wherein merge only the pure in mind and speech, Oh Arunachala!
I, by Thy Grace, am sunk in Thy Self, wherein merge only those divested of their minds and thus made pure, Oh Arunachala!
48. When I took shelter under Thee as my One God, Thou didst destroy me altogether, Oh Arunachala!
49. Treasure of benign and holy Grace, found without seeking, steady my wandering mind, Oh Arunachala!

May the grace of Arunachala fill your heart.

Guide to the Inner Path

The “Inner Path” of Arunachala is a place of silent beauty and deep peace.

Arunachala and the Inner Path are shown in great detail throughout this blog. This includes detailed descriptions and photo essays for each section of the Inner Path, as well as places that are rarely visited. The new “Yellow Path” is shown as well as other articles about Arunachala’s original Inner Path. Maps developed for this blog are also presented to assist readers who want to visit these special places of Arunachala.

Click here to see the Guide to the Inner Path.

Note: Starting in July of 2012 the Forest Department first limited access to, then banned use of the Inner Path. This seems like a tragedy for many devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi who have used this path for years and still use it regularly. There are fines for violation of this ban.

Inner Path Map developed from Google Earth (click to enlarge)

Arunachala Pradakshina Routes

Efforts to protect Aruanchala

Efforts have been made since the days of Ramana Maharshi to protect and preserve Arunachala, This page shows many stories about this effort.

Some history of Arunachala and the efforts to protect it

Arunachala’s Outer Pradakshina Path

The “Outer Path” is the Pradakshina path that was most used by Sri Ramana Maharshi during his lifetime. It is now the route that is most used by the millions of people who visit Tiruvannamalai each year to take in the spiritual glory that is Arunachala. A key part of this is to walk Pradakshina (“Girivalam” in Tamil) around Arunachala.

Click here to see the Guide to the Outer Path.

There are more than 100 temples and shrines alone the Pradakshina route. Most of them can be seen here. Click this link to see Temples and Shrines along Arunachala’s Outer Path.

Map of Outer Path

Pradakshina map

Arunachala Views

Best of Arunachala – Part One
Best of Arunachala – Part Two
Best of Arunachala – Part Three

Arunachala’s Special Features

Caves of Arunachala provides details on 30 caves we have found on and around Arunachala.
Arunachala – On the Top shows the view from the top of Arunachala.
Dawn Over Arunachala shows glorious sunrises over Arunachala.
Leopards Return to Arunachala is a story of successful environmental reconstruction over the last 20 years.
Planting Trees Around Arunachala details some current efforts to restore the forests of Arunachala.
Flowers of Arunachala shows some of the many flowers that bloom on and around Arunachala.
More Flowers of Arunachala shows some additional blooms not covered above. 

Tags: girivalam, Pradakshina, route, temples, Tiruvannamalai