Ashtalingams of Tiruvannamalai

The Ashtalingams are eight Shiva lingams placed at points around the base of Arunachala Hill, each aligned with a cardinal or sub cardinal direction and associated with a specific planetary deity from Hindu astrology. Pilgrims walking the Girivalam path stop at each lingam to offer prayers, completing a symbolic circuit said to balance cosmic and astrological energies. Together the eight shrines form a protective ring around the sacred hill, and visiting all of them is considered an integral part of a complete Girivalam pilgrimage.