Agni Lingam

Agni Lingam is one of the Ashta Lingams located along the 14 km Girivalam path encircling Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Situated on the southeastern side of the hill on Girivalam Road, it represents the fire element (Agni) among the Pancha Bhoota. The small roadside shrine features a Shiva lingam and Nandi, and is visited by pilgrims performing Girivalam circumambulation and devotees of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Visitors can expect a small, open roadside shrine on the Girivalam circumambulation route around Arunachala Hill. The shrine houses a Shiva lingam with a Nandi statue facing it, under a simple mandapa structure. It is located directly on Girivalam Road with minimal enclosure, surrounded by shops and stalls. Pilgrims typically stop briefly for prayer during the Girivalam walk, especially on full moon days. The setting is simple and devotional rather than large temple complex.

Agni Lingam is part of the Ashta Lingam tradition associated with Arunachala Hill and the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams where Shiva is worshipped as element of fire. The eight lingams were installed at cardinal and inter-cardinal directions around the hill to mark the sacred Girivalam route, a circumambulation practice followed for centuries by devotees and saints associated with Tiruvannamalai.

The shrine represents the Agni (fire) element and is revered as one of the Ashta Lingams worshipped during Girivalam. Devotees believe circumambulating Arunachala and offering prayers at each lingam, including Agni Lingam, brings spiritual merit. It is especially significant during full moon Girivalam, Karthigai Deepam festival, and Maha Shivaratri when thousands of pilgrims visit.