Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Tiruvannamalai, May 26: The temple authorities at the world-renowned Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, have officially announced the auspicious timing for the sacred Girivalam ritual on the occasion of Vaikasi (Vaishakh) Purnima. The monthly full moon circumambulation of the holy Arunachala Hill draws devotees from across the country in large numbers, reflecting deep spiritual significance and widespread religious enthusiasm.

The Arunachaleswarar Temple is globally recognised for its full moon rituals, Girivalam tradition, and the grand Karthigai Deepam festival. During these occasions, special pujas, abhishekams, and Vedic rituals dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman are performed with great devotion and strict adherence to tradition, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers from various regions.

The temple administration, this year’s Vaikasi Purnima special rituals will be held on Saturday, May 30. Devotees will be allowed to undertake Girivalam around the sacred Arunachala Hill from 12:50 PM on May 30 until 2:41 PM on Sunday, May 31. During this window, it is expected that lakhs of devotees will complete the approximately 14-kilometre sacred circumambulation of the hill, which holds immense spiritual importance.

Religious beliefs, performing Girivalam during the full moon is considered highly auspicious and is believed to fulfil devotees’ wishes while bringing spiritual merit. Due to this belief, devotees from Tamil Nadu as well as neighbouring states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry are expected to gather in large numbers at Tiruvannamalai.

With Vaikasi Vishakam coinciding this year, authorities anticipate an even larger turnout than usual. In preparation for the massive crowd, the temple administration and district authorities have already initiated extensive arrangements to manage the influx of pilgrims.

Facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, medical services, ambulances, rest shelters, and food distribution camps are being set up for the convenience of devotees. Additional police deployment has also been planned to ensure crowd control and security.

Traffic restrictions will be imposed along the Girivalam route, with barricades placed at multiple points to ensure devotees can complete the circumambulation safely and without disruption. Special barricading and surveillance measures are also being implemented within the temple premises.

Authorities have urged devotees to follow all official guidelines and cooperate with arrangements to ensure the religious observance is conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.