Arunachala Hill

Arunachala Hill is a sacred 814-metre hill rising behind the Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Revered as the embodiment of Lord Shiva as fire, it forms one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. The hill is known for the 14 km Girivalam circumambulation path, caves associated with sage Ramana Maharshi, and the annual Karthigai Deepam beacon lit on its summit, attracting pilgrims, trekkers and spiritual seekers throughout the year.

Visitors can expect a rocky, scrub-covered hill with a well-known 14 km paved circumambulation road (Girivalam path) around its base lined with shrines, ashrams and lingams. The hill itself offers steep trekking trails to the summit with panoramic views of Tiruvannamalai town and the Annamalaiyar Temple gopurams. Along the slopes are accessible caves including Virupaksha Cave and Skandashramam, small shrines, and viewpoints. The area is active with pilgrims, sadhus and trekkers, especially on full-moon days.

Arunachala Hill is closely linked with the Annamalaiyar Temple, whose origins trace to the Chola dynasty with later expansions by Vijayanagara rulers. The hill has been mentioned in Tamil devotional literature including Tevaram hymns. In modern times it gained prominence as the abode of sage Ramana Maharshi, who lived in Virupaksha Cave and Skandashramam on its slopes from 1899 to 1922 before establishing Sri Ramana Ashram at its base.

Revered in Hindu tradition as the manifestation of Lord Shiva as fire (Agni Lingam) and as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of fire. The hill itself is worshipped as a Shiva Lingam. The Girivalam circumambulation, especially on full moon days, and the Karthigai Deepam festival when a large beacon is lit on the summit, are central cultural and religious practices attracting pilgrims from across India.