Skandashramam

Skandashramam is a historic ashram on the eastern slopes of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Built in 1915-1916 by devotee Kandaswamy for sage Ramana Maharshi, who lived there until 1922, it overlooks Tiruvannamalai town and Arunachaleswarar Temple. The site comprises simple stone buildings, meditation spaces and natural rock surroundings, and is notable for its association with Ramana Maharshi's life and teachings on the sacred Arunachala pilgrimage route.

Visitors can expect a steep uphill trek of about 1 km from the foothill near Sri Ramana Ashram to reach Skandashramam on Arunachala Hill. The ashram consists of modest stone structures, a shrine room with Ramana Maharshi's photos, meditation halls and open verandas offering panoramic views of Tiruvannamalai and the temple. The surroundings are rocky and forested with caves nearby. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, used for meditation, sightseeing and photography of the landscape.

Skandashramam was constructed in 1915-1916 by devotee Kandaswamy (Kanukku) for Ramana Maharshi, who had been living in Virupaksha Cave. Ramana Maharshi resided here from 1915 until 1922, when he moved down to the present Sri Ramana Ashram after his mother Alagammal attained samadhi. The ashram is named after Lord Skanda (Murugan) and marks an important period in the sage's life when his teachings attracted a growing number of devotees.

The ashram is a significant site for followers of Advaita Vedanta and devotees of Ramana Maharshi. It is part of the sacred Arunachala pilgrimage circuit, revered as a place of meditation and spiritual practice. The site preserves the simple ascetic lifestyle associated with Ramana Maharshi and continues to be visited by pilgrims seeking quiet contemplation on Arunachala Hill, which is considered sacred in Tamil Shaivite tradition.