Girivalam Rules and Procedure: Do’s, Don’ts & Step-by-Step Guide

Girivalam Rules and Procedure: The Complete Guide

Walking 14 km around Arunachala Hill sounds simple. But first-time pilgrims often have the same questions: which direction do I walk, do I have to be barefoot, where do I start, and what should I avoid doing? This guide explains the traditional procedure and the practical rules so you can complete your Girivalam correctly and comfortably.

The Core Rules at a Glance

Direction: Always clockwise, keeping Arunachala Hill on your right side.
Footwear: Barefoot is the tradition; soft footwear is accepted for medical reasons.
Starting point: Traditionally the Arunachaleswarar Temple, though any point on the circuit is acceptable as long as you complete the full circle.
Conduct: Walk calmly, avoid loud music, do not litter, and respect fellow pilgrims.
Completion: The pradakshina is complete when you return to your starting point.

Step-by-Step Girivalam Procedure

Begin with a prayer. Most devotees start at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, offering a short prayer to Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai before setting out.
Set your sankalpa. Many pilgrims silently state their intention for the walk, whether devotion, gratitude or a specific prayer.
Walk clockwise. Keep the hill on your right for the entire circuit. This is the single most important rule.
Stop at the Ashta Lingams. Eight directional Shiva shrines mark the route: Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Esanya Lingams. Devotees traditionally offer a short prayer at each.
Keep the hill in your awareness. Tradition holds that the walk is a moving worship of Arunachala itself; many devotees chant Om Arunachala or the panchakshara mantra as they walk.
Complete the circle. Return to your starting point and close with a final prayer, either at the temple or facing the hill.

Traditional Do’s

Bathe and wear clean, modest clothing before starting.
Walk barefoot if your health permits; the tradition treats the entire path as sacred ground.
Maintain silence or soft chanting rather than loud conversation.
Offer prayers at the Ashta Lingam shrines along the route.
Help fellow pilgrims, especially the elderly, when needed.
Drink water regularly; devotion does not require dehydration.

Traditional Don’ts

Do not walk anticlockwise; if you miss a shrine, continue forward rather than turning back.
Do not litter; the Girivalam road is a plastic-free zone.
Do not play loud music or create disturbances.
Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food before or during the walk; pilgrims traditionally keep the day sattvic.
Do not climb the hill casually; Arunachala itself is treated as a deity, and hill access is restricted by the forest department.
Do not rush past elderly walkers or push through crowds on Pournami nights.

Is Barefoot Walking Compulsory?

No, it is not enforced by anyone. It is a tradition rooted in treating the entire 14 km path as a temple. In practice, you will see most devotees barefoot and a minority in soft slippers, especially elderly walkers and those with diabetes or foot conditions. If walking barefoot, avoid the hottest hours, as the tar road heats up strongly from late morning in summer.

When Should You Do Girivalam?

Girivalam can be performed on any day. Pournami, the full moon day, is considered the most auspicious and draws the largest crowds. Other favoured occasions include Krittika nakshatra days, Sivaratri each month, and festival periods like Karthigai Deepam. For a quiet, unhurried walk, an ordinary weekday at dawn is unbeatable.

How Long Does It Take?

Walking Pace	Approximate Time
Brisk, few stops	3 to 3.5 hours
Relaxed with short shrine stops	4 to 5 hours
Slow, with rest breaks and prayers at all shrines	5 to 6 hours

What to Carry

Water bottle and an electrolyte sachet
Small towel and a cloth bag
Torch or a charged phone for night walks
Light snacks such as fruit
Regular medicines if you take any

Rules During Big Pournami Days

On major full moon days like Chitra Pournami and during the Karthigai Deepam period, the administration adds crowd controls. Stretches of the route become one-way for pedestrians, vehicle access is diverted, and police and volunteers direct the flow. Follow their instructions even if they route you slightly differently from the traditional path; the circumambulation still counts.

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

Starting too fast. The first few kilometres feel easy; the last four test everyone. Pace evenly.
Long sit-down breaks. Muscles stiffen quickly; short standing pauses work better.
Heavy meal before walking. Eat light, at least two hours before you begin.
No water on cool nights. You still sweat and dehydrate on pleasant nights.
Turning back for a missed shrine. Keep moving forward; you can pray facing the shrine’s direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which direction should Girivalam be done?

Clockwise only, keeping Arunachala Hill on your right throughout the walk.

Can I do Girivalam in slippers?

Yes, footwear is not banned. Barefoot walking is the tradition, but soft footwear is common for medical reasons.

Where does Girivalam start?

Traditionally at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, but you can start anywhere on the circuit as long as you complete the full circle back to your starting point.

Can Girivalam be done in parts on different days?

Tradition favours completing the circle in one continuous walk. Those unable to do so for health reasons walk what they can with devotion; intention matters most.

Can women do Girivalam?

Yes. Women of all ages walk the Girivalam path every day and on Pournami nights.

Is there any fee or ticket for Girivalam?

No. The walk is completely free and open to everyone at all times.

Can I do Girivalam during the day?

Yes. Early mornings are ideal. Avoid the midday hours in summer, especially if barefoot.

What do devotees chant during Girivalam?

Common chants include Om Namah Shivaya, Om Arunachala and verses from Aksharamanamalai. Silent walking is equally acceptable.

Can beginners or elderly people complete 14 km?

Most can, with an even pace, water and short breaks. Choose the early morning window and allow five to six hours.

Is it allowed to climb Arunachala Hill during Girivalam?

Hill access is restricted and managed by the forest department. Stick to the Girivalam road unless you have verified that access is currently permitted.

Conclusion

The rules of Girivalam come down to three things: walk clockwise, walk with respect, and complete your circle. Everything else, from barefoot walking to shrine stops, is tradition you can embrace at your own pace. Plan your dates, prepare lightly, and let the hill do the rest.