About Thiruvannamalai: The Temple Town of Tiruvannamalai is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India and is a centre of the Saiva religion. The Arunachala hill and its environs have been held in great regard by the Tamils for centuries. The temple is grand in conception and architecture and is rich in tradition, history and festivals.

Why Thiruvannamalai trip?

• To have the darshan of Thiru Annamalayar along with the Bhajan
• To medidate and get peace at some of the best ashrams
• To do "Girivalam", walking around the 14 KMs hill  

Feel like joining the trip? Know more...

Itinerary

Day 1

1. Girivalam (Circumambulation of Arunachala Hill) with Astalinga Darshan   - *Duration:* 3-4 hours    

Guided Walk: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you, explaining the history, significance, and stories associated with each of the Astalingas. Devotional songs related to the significance of Arunachala will be shared and sung during the walk.      

Astalinga Darshan: As you walk the 14 km path around Arunachala Hill, you'll visit the eight sacred lingams (Astalingas). Each lingam is associated with a cardinal direction and has unique significance:        

1.1. Indra Lingam (East): Associated with Lord Indra, the king of gods, this lingam is believed to bring prosperity and remove obstacles. The guide will share stories of Indra's devotion and blessings.        

1.2. Agni Lingam (Southeast): Represents fire and is believed to purify devotees' sins. The guide will recount the legend of Agni (fire god) and the significance of fire in Vedic rituals.        

1.3. Yama Lingam (South): Associated with Yama, the god of death, this lingam protects against untimely death. The guide will share tales of Yama and the power of this lingam in ensuring a long life.        

1.4. Niruthi Lingam (Southwest): Enhances health and strength. The guide will explain the ancient traditions of worshiping this lingam for physical well-being.        

1.5. Varuna Lingam (West): Connected to the water element, ensuring rain and prosperity. The guide will discuss Varuna, the god of water, and his importance in ensuring fertility and prosperity.        

1.6. Vayu Lingam (Northwest): Associated with air, granting happiness and peace. The guide will tell stories about Vayu, the wind god, and his role in sustaining life.        

1.7. Kubera Lingam (North): Bestows wealth and financial stability. The guide will explain the connection to Kubera, the god of wealth, and share mantras for prosperity.       

 1.8. Eesanya Lingam (Northeast): Linked to spiritual growth and enlightenment. The guide will describe the spiritual significance of this lingam and its connection to higher wisdom.       - *Devotional Songs:* As you walk, the guide will lead you in singing traditional songs like "Arunachala Aksharamanamalai" composed by Ramana Maharshi, and other hymns dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswara.

2. Arunachaleswarar Temple Darshan     -  *Duration:* 1 hour     

Visit the temple for the darshan and witness the aarti (prayer ceremony). The guide will explain the rituals and the significance of the aarti.

Day 2 

1. Arunachaleswarar Temple    - *Duration:* 2-3 hours    

*Highlights:* Explore the temple, one of the largest in India, with its grand architecture and spiritual ambiance. The guide will explain the temple's history, its significance in Shaivism, and stories associated with the deities worshipped here.

2. Sri Ramana Ashram    - *Duration:* 1 hour    - 

Visit the ashram of the revered sage Ramana Maharshi. The guide will explain the life and teachings of Ramana Maharshi, the significance of the ashram, and its role in the spiritual community.  

3. Virupaksha Cave*    - *Duration:* 1 hour    - *Details:* A short trek from the ashram leads to this cave where Ramana Maharshi meditated. The guide will share the history of the cave, stories of Ramana Maharshi’s meditations, and the spiritual significance of this serene spot.  

4. *Seshadri Swamigal Temple*    - *Duration:* 1 hour    - *Details:* Visit the temple dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal, a revered saint of Thiruvannamalai. The guide will share stories of his life, miracles, and spiritual contributions.  

5. *Yogi Ram Surat Kumar Ashram*    - *Duration:* 1 hour    - *Details:* Explore the ashram of Yogi Ram Surat Kumar, known as the 'Beggar Saint'. The guide will explain his teachings, life story, and the significance of the ashram in the spiritual landscape of Thiruvannamalai.  

6. *Mamara Guhai*      - *Duration:* 1 hour     - *Details:* Visit Mamara Guhai, a cave where Ramana Maharshi spent a lot of time in meditation. The guide will explain the historical and spiritual importance of this cave and share anecdotes from Ramana Maharshi's life.

### Additional Tips: 

*Transport:* Consider hiring a local guide or a taxi for convenience. - 

*Clothing:* Wear comfortable clothing suitable for temple visits and walking. - 

*Hydration:* Carry water and stay hydrated, especially during the girivalam. - 

*Footwear:* Comfortable walking shoes for girivalam and treks.

Cost

• Price ₹6,700 - Package with Premium Stay in Hotels like Sterling Arunai Anantha with Breakfast, Dinner, Chennai - Thiruvannamalai - Chennai Transport, Spiritual Curator, Bhajan Team and  GST Ticket

• Price ₹4,990 - Package with Shared Stay in Hotels like Hotel Aalayam Tiruvannamalai with Breakfast, Dinner, Chennai - Thiruvannamalai - Chennai Transport and GST

Inclusions

• AC Van for the entire trip - Chennai - Thiruvannamalai - Chennai 
• Stay with Breakfast
• Guide and Escort from KeyTerns
• GST

Exclusions

• Lunch and Dinner
• Any pooja and personal expenses
• Anything not in inclusions

Notes

• Itinerary is created by the curator. The curator will take decision to modify the itinerary as required.  
• Payment Terms - 100% advance
• Cancellation policy: 
• Cancellation before 5 days before trip start date: 10% of the post-tax value will be charged and the remaining refunded 
• Cancellation between 6 days and 4 day before the event: 50% will be charged and the remaining refunded
• Cancellation within 4 days from the date of event: 100% cancellation charges

How to Book / Inquire?

• Register Now, Pay Later - Enter your contact details and register now. Once we have a minimum number of participants, we can collect money and confirm the trip.
• Query - Contact us -  Chat on Website /  Submit requirement / +918925156565 /  WhatsApp / contact@keyterns.com