Rebuilt Tiruvannamalai girivalam draws more crowds

If today over 30 lakh people turn up for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival in the temple town of Tiruvannamalai, the credit goes to the girivalam which attracts devotees from all parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Around 35 years ago when Tiruvannamalai was a part of the then North Arcot district, about 3 lakh devotees used to turn up when the Barani and Maha deepams were lit at the Arulmigu Arunachleswarar temple and atop the 2,668-ft-tall Annamalai hill respectively.

Though the 14-km path existed even then, only a few used to undertake the over 3-hour trek through the worn-out road filled with potholes.

However, once the girivalam came into existence in the mid-90s, the scenario changed. According to Hyagreevan, a local, “If once places himself on the girivalam path, the crowd ensures that he will complete the circumambulation and make him keep walking until he returns back to the starting point.”

It is believed, the girivalam path was laid by the Pandya king Vikrama Pandyan in 1276 AD. While circumambulation was considered beneficial then, it has now become a popular practice to go around the hill on full moon days, especially during Chitra Pournami and Karthgai.

However, for the devotees, it is important to visit the eight lingams that dot the girivalam path. Starting with the Indira lingam and ending with the Easanya lingam, devotees seek blessings from the eight lingams they find on the way.

While seven lingams are on the way, the first lingam, named after Lord Indira, is located near the temple. It is surrounded by shops and can only be identified by a board. Its entrance leads to a narrow passageway which widens into an alcove where the lingam can be worshipped.

During Karthigai Girivalam, worshipping becomes hectic as the huge crowd keeps on pushing the devotees forward, leaving them with little or no time at the lingams.

However, credit for the renovation and upkeep of the girivalam path goes to the district administration which spent nearly Rs 60 crore to ensure that pilgrims and devotees spend a pleasant time while undertaking the trek. Improvements include the removal of unwanted encroachments, lining the footpath with tiles, planting trees for both beauty and shade, and even carving birds and reptiles designs on 62 withered trees on the path.

“We still have funds to ensure that 9 kms of the path is provided with LED lights,” said Collector KS Kandasamy. “We also plan to put up seats at calm and serene locations to help devotees meditate while the remaining few encroachments will also be removed shortly” he added.

In some places, the tiled footpath is wider than the road and officialdom has placed stone benches and toilets at appropriate intervals as well. Meanwhile, the local traders have made use of these facilities by putting up plastic chairs and tables, and running business right on the tiled footpaths.

Due to the developments, the spot has become a go-to place for the locals, who go around the path on two-wheelers and visit the roadside eateries. Small shops selling freshly-made appams too have become a hit among the people.

This makeover has resulted in Tiruvannamalai being identified by the girivalam path, which in turn attracts more devotees to the temple.