Niruthi Lingam

Niruthi Lingam is one of the Ashta Lingams encircling Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, located on the southwestern stretch of the 14 km Girivalam path. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it represents the southwest direction guarded by deity Niruthi. The small open shrine features a Shiva lingam under a simple mandapa. It is an integral stop for pilgrims performing Girivalam circumambulation around the sacred hill.

Visitors can expect a small, open roadside shrine on the Girivalam circumambulation route around Arunachala Hill. The shrine consists of a Shiva lingam installed under a modest mandapa with Nandi facing the lingam, surrounded by paved path and nearby stalls selling flowers and offerings. The setting is simple and devotional, with pilgrims stopping briefly to pray during Girivalam. The area is outdoors, along a busy pilgrimage road with views of Arunachala Hill.

Niruthi Lingam is part of the Ashta Lingam tradition associated with the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. The eight lingams represent the eight directions and their guardian deities (Ashta Dikpalakas), with Niruthi as guardian of the southwest. The shrines along the Girivalam path have been worshipped for centuries as part of the circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, considered sacred in Shaivism.

The shrine holds religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva as part of the Girivalam ritual, where pilgrims walk the 14 km circuit around Arunachala Hill, especially on full moon days and during Karthigai Deepam festival. Worship at Niruthi Lingam is believed to bring protection and remove negative influences associated with the southwest direction. It is an integral part of the spiritual landscape of Tiruvannamalai.