Sri Arunachaleswara Swamy Temple in Tiruvannamalai is very famous for its spiritual significance of people. Many people chant Aruachala Siva – Arunachala Siva while doing Giri Pradakshina and often do japam with various beads like Rudhraksha, Karungali (Black Ebony wood), Lotus Seed Maala, Tulasi Maala, Spatika or Quartz crystal mala. But a significant portion of people from their experience have identified Karungali Mala as the best for Mantra Japam or daily wearing. The mala beads are made from a century old tree inner part with utmost selection by experts.

What is Karungali Mala in Arunachalam?

Any person who wants to gain a step towards spiritual enlightenment must visit Sri Arunachaleswara Hill and perform Giri Pradakshina. Many ancient Immortal Siddhars are still doing their Tapasya on top of Arunachala hill and it is also the place where the Agni pillar of Light by Lord Shiva shone eons ago.

Karungali is the tamil word for Black Ebony wood beads. It is not made from all ebony trees which are near fields and other places. Each tree in our India was the living embodiment of a god according to Oushadi Tantra Shastra. In India Black Ebony wood is very much used in making durable temple doors, Caskets & Madahasams for worship etc from millenia. But in Recent years the revelations from ancient scriptures has brought out the Spiritual and cosmic connection of Karungali beads.

Arunachalam Karungali Mala is made from the core trunk of Black Ebony wood which is more than a century old. The tree is harvested with pacifying the deity with the Rituals mentioned in Tantra Shastra and the wood is left for hardening from moisture for over a year in sun. Then the core of the tree is carved with expert machinery & turned into beads. Then Mala are cleansed from impurities with sacred water & other herbal combinations in presence of Lord Arunachaleswara idol at our makeshift place.

We offer Energized karungali Mala and normally purified karungali mala for customers based on requirement. The Purification is done for 3 straight days during Amavasya or Purnima days for Normal Karungali Mala. The Specially 48 Energized mala is done by offering prayers on peetham for 48 days straight with Nitya puja & naivedyam, Mantra Japam & Homam on last day. We also recite the sankalpam details of customer on last havan day & send the mala straight via Parcel or Quick Delivery service.

Spiritual Benefits of Karungali Malai:

Karungali Mala will increase the Bio-energy (Kundalini) circulation in all Seven Yoga Chakras and Aura intensity will be increased by many folds.

Doing Japam with Karungali beads Mala 108 times a day will make your Mantra Siddhi Faster & Easier.

Karungali mala beads are very resistant in dispelling the negative thought process and makes concentrated in daily activities.

The Nara Gosha & Nara Drishti, Bad Nazar (Evil Eye) casting by people will be repelled by karungali beads once they are energized with daily puja & Japam.

Wearing karungali beads throughout the day time will increase the cosmic rays absorption from various sources to body.

The Karungali Beads also have intense negative radiation absorption capacity compared to other wood beads like Tulsi or Lotus seed etc.

Health Benefits of Karungali Mala wearing:

The beads of Mala are linked with Copper or Silver or Gold links manually. The connection of Metal with Karungali Beads will increase the flow of Electromagnetic Field in body.

Wearer will feel energized and highly focuses during all the day and It drives the Prerana of human mind naturally.

Bracelet of Karungali Beads will increase the blood circulation due to movements in wrist capillaries.

The nervous system is stimulated by the touch of Karungali mala or bracelet. Mental Stress is somewhat reduced due to its soothing properties.

Instructions & Rules to follow while wearing Karungali Mala in Neck & Hand:

Karungali Mala Should be done Shudikaran or Cleansing or Purify before wearing first time on neck or hand. 54 beads small mala and 108 beads double fold mala is ideal for wearing around the Neck.

Hand Bracelet of Karungali beads should be of 21 or 11 in count for best results. It must be linked with Silver or Copper or Gold metal chain only.

Karungali Beads wearer should not consume meat or Alcohol or smoke while wearing it.

The mala or bracelet should be kept separately while wearing night time or Intimate moments.

Karungali beads should be present at the place of death or near to deceased persons. So please avoid during funeral times & cremation grounds.

Never place an Energized Karungali Mala on earth intentionally or accidentally, It loses its power.

Cleanse the mala with Milk overnight if you face any unwanted circumstances.

Karungali Mala is linked to Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva. So It should not be worn by women during Mensuration period.

Steps to identify Original Karunagali Mala:

An Original Karungali Mala will turn water to mild brown color after soaking. Plastic beads and other beads will remain clear.

The smell of Karungali beads will be of a woody & earthy note. Their appearance will be somewhat oily on outside due to its natural properties.

Karungali beads will drown when placed in water and fake beads tend to float to surface.

Karungali Mala – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)?

What is the real cost of Original Karungali Mala?

How is Karungali Mala Energized?

Does You Guarantee the Arunachalam Karungali Mala as Original?

How much time it takes to receive Karungali Mala once I place my Order?

Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple is becoming a beacon for Spiritual travellers & Devotees every day. The number of people visiting Sri Annamalayar Temple in Tiruvannamalai and performing Giri Pradakshina is steadily increasing. More than 2 to 3 million travel by Bus, Trains & commuting vehicles to Arunachalam Hill every Purnami Day. Even the States Transport department & corporations have started new services for Arunachalam Girivalam or Giri pradakshinam from various major Bus depots in Karnataka, Andhra pradesh, Telangana.

Reaching Arunachalam by road is much more feasible compared to Train and the State Government Services like TN RTC, TGSRTC, APSRTC & KSRTC are running Monthly Bus services on Giri Pradaksinam day. 2+2 Pushback Services, Semi Sleeper, A/C Semi Sleeper & Non A/C, A/C Volvo sleeper bus services are available among the three states RTC websites for online booking.

Please note that daily services to Arunachaleswara Swamy temple is not available from distant locations. Only Special Services which are only for Arunachalam Hill Giri Pradakshina & Darshan is operated once a month. Special Festivals like Karthika Deepam (Karthigai Deepam Jyoti) & Bramhotsavams might have chance for Special Bus Services.

APSRTC Bus Services & Tickets for Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina 2026:

The highest number of devotees who will travel to Arunachalam Hill & Tiruvannamalai Temple is definitely from Andhra Pradesh. So APSRTC has started Special Bus Services from Every Major Town, City in each district. Since it is a monthly service Online Tickets booking is not yet opened. But the current booking and live reservation at APSRTC Counters is started one week before every Giri Pradakshina Day.

Nearest city and Bus depot for Tiruvannamalai (Arunachalam) Daily Commute services is Tirupati Balaji Bus Depot. Every day TN government RTC busses, APSRTC Super Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Express Shuttle Services

But Special Services have started from Major Head Bus depots like Vijayawada, Vishakapatnam, Tirupati, Nellore, Srikalahasti, Kurnool, Kadapa, Guntur, Ongole, Rajamundry, Kakinada & Bhimavaram etc.

Arunachalam Tour Package consists of Complete coverage of Trip travel, Toll & Parking Expenses. During this trip Kanipakam, Sripuram Golden Temple & Srikalahasti temples are covered during the route.

First check the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Dates Month Wise in 2026 to confirm the date of travel.

Then approach the APSRTC Reservation Center in your loacl bus stand to know about the Special Bus Arunachalam Giri Prakdakshinam Tour Package service availability.

Give the Identification details of each pilgrim along with Type of Bus service you want to book. Each Ticket costs around 2400 to 4000 rupees based on Starting Location.

Pay the money at the reservation counter and take the Ticket from the clerk.

You must carry the ID card & ticket copy with you while check-in to your bus.

Instructions & things to know about APSRTC Arunachalam Special Bus Services:

The Bus trip will be of 3 to 4 days based on starting point. Travel will be majorly in night time and day time is utilized for darshan in various temples en-route to Arunachalam.

Food & refreshments is not covered in the Ticket & Best places are selected for Rest stops & Lunch, Dinner.

Darshan Tickets & Abhishekam is not included and tourists who want to enter inside the temple must bear all the temple related expenses by themselves only. Check Arunachalam temple Puja Abhishekam Tickets Booking page online.

The trip is covered under Special Accidental Insurance by APSRTC for all registered ticket holders. Official website is apsrtconline.in

During the complete trip the Bus driver & Conductor will remain contact for Ride alerts, updates & Parking space reaching assistance

KSRTC Arunachalam Bus Trip Packages for Giri Pradakshina 2026:

Karnataka people majorly participate in Arunachala Girivalam every month and travel in flocks via KSRTC busses from Bangalore, Hosur, Dharwad and other important places.

The KSRTC runs Airavatha A/C Bus Services, Rajahamsa Volvo Services & Pushback seater Non A/C Seater Services every purnima before 2 day2 without fail for travelers convenience.

Visit ksrtc.in for Daily Running Services booking of Tiruvannamalai Bus tickets. Search for Bus tickets in the home page menu and Choose One way or Round trip options.

Select Your home town name in From option and enter Tiruvannamalai in destination option. A list of Special Fare Bus services & Daily Commute services are shown in the list. If the Special Tour packages are shown book them for 2 days or 3 days duration.

Official website is ksrtc.in

Sri Arunachalaeswara Swamy was the presiding diety of Tiruvannamalai Shiva Temple. He is also called as Annamalayar. The lord got this particular name because of Agni Tatva & Supreme Divine light manifested on Annamalai hill. Temple history states that Lord Bramha & Lord Vishnu was challenged by the Agni Linga here to find the starting & ending point. Vishnu accepted the defeat after digging the earth for laks of years. Bramha tried to deceive Shiva with Chameli flower as his witness. Shiva cursed bramha that he is banned from worship by people on earth. The final place where the Shiva Agni column appeared was on the top of Annamalai hill.

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshinam Details & Introduction:

Arunachalam means Fire colored Mountain. Many people believe visiting Arunachalam temple and praying will bestow good fortune. But Ramana Maharshi, Kavya Kanta Ganapti Muni & Sri Jagadguru Chandra Shekararendra Saraswati (Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadipati) etc divine sages told people about the greatness of Arunachalam Hill. They also preached the greatness of Asta Dikpalaka temples surrounding the Annamalai Hill and the Pada Yatra benefits around Arunachalam Hill.

Arunachala Giri Pradakshinam means a person completing one time Circulation by walk arround the Arunachala Hill. People generally offer circulations around the Garbhalaya in any temple. But Puranas prescribe Arunachala hill as the Complete shiva linga of Annamalayar. There are 8 Dikh Palaka Temples constructed trough the walking path.

Tourists visit Tiruvannamalai temple every purnami date or Full moon day to offer Giri Pradakshina. It is not mandatory to visit only during Pournami day. Even Tamil Nadu people consider participating in Giri Pradakshina around Arunachala hill on Amavasya day, Triyodasi day, Maasa Siva Ratri Day, Ekadasi Day and other festival days gives equal benefit. People

Tiruvannamalai Arunachala Giri Pradakshina Dates 2026 & Darshan Schedule:

How to Participate in Arunachalam Pournami Giri Pradakshina 2026?

The Tamil Nadu State Endowment and Temple administration Department manages the complete Giri Pradakshina for devotees. There are no specific rules and timings for participating in Girivalam. A Person who want to perform Pradakshinam around Arunachala Hill must visit the temple Main gate as the starting point.

The round trip is around 18.7 KM and it was well maintained by Tiruvannamalai Corporation. First devotee must appear in traditional wear and Aarti is given at the pournami time starting. After this aarti the Girivalam or Giri Pradakshinam will be commenced officially. Then all the devotees will start their walk around the Arunachalam hill visiting all 8 Temples of Dikpalakas in their path. Each temple darshan will take around 30 min to 1 hour based on floating.

One must observe silence and should chant Om Arunachaleswaraya Namaha!! or Om Namah Sivaayah!!. The typical time taken by a normal person to complete the Pradakshina is 6 to 10 hours with all temples darshan. Then they are returned back to the Maha Raja Gopuram of Annamalai Temple. After Breaking a coconut before the Darshan Q Balipeetam then Pradakshinam is concluded.

Arunachalam Girivalam (Pradakshina) Instructions:

Please appear for Arunachalam Giri Pradakshinam in traditional wear. Dhoti, Pyjama Kurta for gents and Saree, Punjabi & Salwar is advised for ladies.

Kids below 7 years are advised not to participate due to heavy crowd. Special lanes for Physically Disabled & Senior citizens is left by the temple board.

Try to avoid Plastic disposable items like Junk food packets, PET bottles & cool drinks etc to save the sanctity of the foot way path.

Carry a rudraksha maala or Karungali maala in your hand to peform Japam of Lord Shiva. Doing the pradakshina observing silence and focused on chanting japam will increase the lords blessings many times.

For First time participants in Giripradakshinam one must have darshan of all 8 Shiva linga temples dedicated to Asta Dikapalakas for benefits.

Pray sincerely before the temple gopuram about your purpose to participate in the holy pradakshinams. Offer pranamam before and after the conclusion of your trip.

List of Temples to See during 2026 Giri Pradakshina path:

Sri Arunachalam Hill Giri Pradakshina Benefits & Importance:

People who are suffering from Mental depressions, Physical ailments are cured in many instances by the air of Arunachala Hill. The Tiruvannamalai forests have many medicinal herbs & shrubs which charges the human body with positivity.

Puranas describe that the Hill is complete image of Lord Arunachaleswara. So doing a single pradakshinam is the easiest way to appease the god.

Both Sadguru Sri Ramana Maharshi and Kanchi Kamakoti Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswathy will bless the devotees who participate in Girivalam.

Being the Shiva linga is of Fire element, doing a parikrama around arunachalam hill is equal to doing parikrama of all the shiva temples in the universe.

For getting Moksha one must complete the parikramam in the pournami time of any month.

Facilities available at Arunachalam Hill Giri pradakshina Route:

The temple board has fully constructed the pathway with well paved roads & foot paths. During summer times, purified water dispensers are placed for every 200 meters.

First aid camps and Ambulances with Emergency care facilities are also available during the pournami dates.

All the temples which are in the Giri Pradakshina route are well maintained with proper Q system & Sanitation.

Number of Bio-toilets are placed for every 400 meters for public use. Feeding mothers & senior citizens can utilize waiting areas for rest.

The police and Volunteers will oversee the complete giripradakshina of devotees to avoid stampedes.

People who are unable to walk can take wheel chairs and can approach helpers for assistance to complete their trip.

Auto services and paid transport services are also available to people who cannot walk around the hill. They can have darshan in all the temples during the roundabout.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the Best timings to start Arunachalam Giri Pradakshinam?

We advise to start in early morning at Bramha Muhurtam on Pournami day to avoid heat waves. Starting in Pradosham time i.e after sunset is also most beneficial. Avoid Noon or Mid day time of start.

Do I have to book Online Tickets for participating in Giri Pradakshinam?

No Participation in Giri pradakshinam at Arunachala Hill is free of cost. The temple also allows devotees to have darshan for free of cost in General Queue line.

Is there any Parking, Cloak room facilities near the Giri Pradakshinam Road?

Yes temple trust have reserved many acres of well maintained parking places to park your personal vehicles. Foot wear stands, luggage check-in, Cellphone keeping services are also available for every few kilometers.

Sadguru Yogiraja Bagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi was the greatest monk or Spiritual guide in recent centuries. He got enlightend during his visit to Aurnachala Hill in Tiruvaannamalai. Spiritual seekers often visit Arunachala Hill every year to get divine blessings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. A big Ashram complex was constructed by Guru Ramana Ashram Trust for daily maintenance of Sri Ramana Devotees.

Free food and free library for enlightenment was available to devotees who book Free Accommodaiton Online in advance. Many NRI devotees, Spiritual Thinkers & Advaita philosophers found many answers to their soul twisting questions at the feet of Sri Bagavan Ramana Maharshi during meditation. There are many foreign visitors often have a stay for 4 to 21 days to meditate and practice their inner thinking.

Requirements for Sri Ramana Ashramam Rooms Online Booking:

A working Mobile number & email address for profile Login user Registration. The official website is stay.gururamana.org or visit Gururamana.org for complete information.

Proper ID proof for Indian citizens issued by government of India like PAN card, Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport & Govt. Issued ID card.

Hard copy of the ID card should be produced for ID Verification & Check-in, check-out of accommodation.

How to Check Sri Ramana Ashram Rooms Availability Online?

Visit stay.gururamana.org website and select Accommodation tab. Read the instructions, Terms & Conditions carefully before going to check the availability calendar.

Now accept the terms & Conditions for accessing the booking page, Enter your Email address & password.

If you are a first time visitor, a profile creation & login user registration need to be done. Select Register login option and create a user ID for accessing Sri Ramana Ashram Rooms Online Booking.

For Foreign nationals 14 days maximum stay is allowed in single visit and they must clearly describe their nature, purpose of visit & Stay.

The standard check-in time for Ashram is 07:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM every day.

Steps to Book Sri Ramana Ashram Rooms in Arunachalam Tiruvannamalai:

Login with your user name, Password and Verify your Mobile number, Email Address with OTP verification & Verification Link.

Now Select the “Already a User Click Here to Login”, and select My Dashboard option. Now Select Submit a Stay Request.

Now choose the nature of booking, Stay request for Self or Others. Select a option in CATEGORY of VISITORS LIST.

The accommodation is provided as per the policy and priority of Sri Ramana Ashram Reservation guidelines.

Now choose the correct option opted for you, Proceed to enter the number of days to stay. Select the dates which are available in calender to confirm the booking. Single day or Single night stay is not allowed. Minimum contracted stay is 3 days for significant experience.

The Stay request is recorded once you fill all the details of guests who are appearing for accommodation. Visitors must upload their Aadhar ID card, Passport Size photo for online verification of Accommodation Request.

After validation people can expect Sri Ramana Ashram to verify and give reply in 2 working days.

Tiruvannamalai will be most cheerful and most celebrated in the month of Karthika Maasam or Karthigai Maasa. Generally after Diwali festival Sri Arunachaleswara temple is started with Kartika Maasa celebrations. Annamalai swamy was worshiped specially by lighting a small ghee deepam or diya in temple premises by devotees. As Arunachala hill is the living embodiment of Lord Annamalayar swamy, A jyoti is lit every year on Purnima day of Karthika maasa.

Speciality of Arunachalam Karthika Jyoti Darshan & Giri Pradakshinam:

Arulmigu Arunachaleswara swamy was the supreme light of knowledge and he is the Fire element shiva linga in the whole world. Karthika maasam is considered most auspicious for Lord Shiva & Vishnu worship. Previously on every purnima day or Full moon day in Karthika month a special celebration is conducted before Giri Pradakshina starting. On the early hours of purnima day, a huge deepam made with cotton wicks of huge proportions & 1000 kg of Cow ghee is placed on top of Arunachala Hill.

At the specific time the light is started and a divine glaze is radiated by the Arunachalam Karthika Deepam. Once the deepam is started the giri pradakshina is commenced officially on the day. Around 50 to 70 lak people appear for Arunachalam Karthika Jyoti Darshan and Giri Pradakshinam.

Arunachalam karthika Deepam Darshan – Giri Pradakshina Date 2026:

Karthika Maasam or karthikai Maasa will start from the next day of Diwali festival. Tiruvannamali Temple will celebrate special brahmotsavams of Siddhars, Sri Ganapati, Subramanya swamy, Arunachaleswara & Sri unnamulaiyamai. The grand procession ends with ThiruKarthigai Deepam or Karthika Deepotsavam festival.

Date of Arunachala Thiru Karthika Deepam festival is : December 3rd

Timings of Karthika Deepam Darshanam: 04:00 AM morning to 04:30 AM

No of Devotees appear for Karthia Deepam Darshan: 2 to 5 Million.

Giri Pradakshinam Starting Time: 04:30 AM on November 5 2025

Temple Darshan Queue time: 4 to 12 hours approximately

Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Karthigai Deepam Festival Celebrations 2026 Schedule:

Sri Arunachaleswara Swamy Karthigai Deepam festival is also known as Tiruvannamalai Brahmotsavams. It is observed for 10 straight days before the Karthika Deepam day in November or December every year. Special Vahana Sevas, Pallaki & Theru etc are organized as per temple Agama Sastras & Tamil Calender dates. There are Five important deities in Tiruvannamalai Temple. Sri Ganapathi, Sri Murgan, Sri Sandeswarar, Sri Arunachaleswara (Annamalayar) & Sri Maha Parvathi idols are taken out for every day during Brahmotsavams.

The crowd and devotees participation might be 4 to 5 million on Girivalam day & Karthigai Maha Deepam day in Tiruvannamalai. First time visiting Tourists must be careful & book proper accommodations during their visit in Brahmotsavams schedule.

Lord Arunachalaeswara Swamy or Tiruvannamali temple is the protector of millions of people every instant. Since the trend of Giri Pradakshina was propagated in Social Media by Scholars and Devotees experience spiked the mass influx of Devotees every month. The basic infrastructure of all the Giri Pradakshina Route is paved with best flooring, Running Water, Sanitation facilities & Special Resting places like Benches & Rest areas by temple trust board. Let us know the list of important Temples to cover during Giri pradakshina performing & places to visit around Arunachaleswara Hill.

Temples to visit during Arunachala Giri Pradakshina:

The total route of Giri Pradakshina road is 14 to 15 Km approximately. The Arunachala Hill is also called as Dakshina Kailasa parvatam and the hill is considered as a form of Lord Shiva linga. The main temples around Arunachalam Hill are 8 Asta Dikpalaka Pratista temples.

Thirthams list in Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route:

Thirthams are the natural water springs or ponds which are formed by the water flowing form Arunachala Hill and Many Rishis, Sadhus practice their Yoga near them for daily rituals. The natural water sources which have very high spiritual powers because of Yogis and Rishis using them. So taking a dip in Theerthams & Drinking the water will remove harmful negative effects reside in our body.

Ashrams & Mutts to Visit in Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Road:

Ramana Ashram is the most important place after Sri Annamalayar Temple to visit in Tiruvannamalai. Arunachala Yatra & Giri Pradakshina is started by Bagavan Ramana Maharshi. He regularly performed Girivalam with his disciples and explained a lot about the significance & spiritualness of Arunachala Hill during his time. He even practiced his tapas on Arunachala hill for many years. So visiting the ashrams surrounding arunachala hill is very good for getting blessings from holy people.

Ramanashram

Gautham Ashram

Pachhaiamman Shrine

Eesanya Matam

Jadaswami Ashram

Skanda Ashram

Guru Matam

Seshadri Swamy Ashram

See Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Route Map HD Image