Pournami Girivalam
Sacred circumambulation of the hill on full moon. Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram - Udaya Pournami calculation & Girivalam timing.
🌕 What is Girivalam?
🚶 Girivalam Journey
Girivalam is a spiritual journey of walking around a sacred hill. At Thiruvannamalai, it's a 14 km walk around Arunachala Hill - hundreds of thousands of devotees participate on Pournami.
⏰ Best Timing
Girivalam is typically started after sunset and completed by midnight. Walking after moonrise is most auspicious - walking around the hill under moonlight is a unique experience.
📐 Udaya Pournami - Which is the Correct Day?
The correct day for Girivalam is Udaya Pournami - the day when Pournami Tithi prevails at sunrise. This may differ from the calendar date.
- Udaya Tithi: The Tithi prevailing at sunrise - this is the basis for rituals
- Why It Matters: Walking on the wrong day may not give full spiritual benefits
- How to Verify: Check Pournami Tithi timing in accurate Panchangam
🔥 Karthigai Deepam & Girivalam
✨ Krittika Nakshatra-Based
Karthigai Deepam is calculated based on Krittika Nakshatra, not Tithi. At Thiruvannamalai, the Maha Deepam must be lit before sunset.
- Nakshatra End Time: Precise Nakshatra ending time determines when to light the lamp
- Karthigai Pournami: Most auspicious when Krittika Nakshatra coincides with Pournami in Karthigai month