“In the Dravidian region of South India, there is the greatest place called Arunachala, dearest to Chandrasekara (Shiva as moon-crested). It is the abode of Shiva and yogis. Arunachala is to this world what the heart is to the whole body. It is everything for Shiva. For the benefit of the world, Shiva took the form of a mountain and settled himself as Arunachala.

There is no sacred place like Arunachala, there is no better discipline than devotion. There is no better protection than that afforded by vibhuti (sacred ash). There is no happiness superior to detachment. There is no position superior to salvation. If other kshetras (areas) are abodes of Shiva, Arunachala is the absolute form of Shiva himself.” – Skanda Purana

“Since I have granted you both such boons in this holy place, may it flourish, to a distance of three yojanas all around, as the pure and sacred dwelling place of divine knowledge (through the presence of enlightened beings). This great column of flame, assuming a lesser form, shall become a mountain with the power to grant boons. That mountain, which unfailingly confers the bliss of glorious final liberation, shall be known as Arunaipuri (Arunachala).” – Sri Arunachala Puranam by Saiva Ellappa Navalar, translated from the Tamil by Robert Butler

Every full moon day thousands of devotees walk barefoot for 14 km, about 9 miles, around the holy hill of Arunachala Shiva praying and chanting Om Namah Shivaya.

Arunachala is Nithyananda – Eternal Bliss

In the comments below share your experience visiting Arunachala. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Ma Udaysree has lived for six years in South India and is the organizer of ‘Sacred Temple Journeys’. She now offers small group spiritual temple journeys to Tiruvannamalai, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Bidadi, and other places in South India. Udaysree is the author of ‘Living at Arunachala.