THIRUVANNAMALAI-3

GIRIVALAM PATH

                                    

Thiruvannaamalai-Girivalam-3

     Sri.S.V.Varadharajan

  Girivalam is a very famous way of showing our devotion and for worship of Lord Siva. This age-old practice connotes many things. Each step on this sacred route is believed to benefits equivalent to doing a thousand Aswamedham Yagas as per Arunachala Puranam. Going round the Giri [mountain] is equivalent to doing pradhakshina of Lord Mahesswara.It is customary to do the round by walking. During that time, we are immersed in thoughts about Easwara and we are in His proximity. Our mind should not indulge in other worldly matters, and there is no place for anger,hatred,worry etc during that time.


   we should go from left to right as Pradhakshinam in Girivalam. It is improper to do it in the opposite direction and should be avoided. Take early bath, wear a holy dress, do all the usual relegious rites and poojas and then start the round. We should have sandal, kumkum, vibuthi or turmeric powder on our forehead. Better not to wear,in the case of males, shirts or upper garments and better to go with bare body. This is stated to help us to absorb the divine atmosphere that prevails on the path. Better also not to use footwear. No alchoholic subsatnce {in any form } should be consumed. The person starting this round first worships the deity at The temple on the eastern side and also should conclude Girivalam at the same place on the eastern side and pray to Annamalaiyar. Better also to avoid cutting across the road while on the yatra. Keep to left side of the road throughout the route as far as possible.


To be continued






  
























   

AVE A NICE DAY!