Tiruvannamalai Pournami Dates 2022 Essential Guide For Girivalam Arunachalam

Tiruvannamalai Pournami Dates 2022 are the full moon (Pournami) nights when devotees from across India and the world gather in Tiruvannamalai to perform the sacred circumambulation called Girivalam around the holy Arunachala Hill. Girivalam, also known as Giri Pradakshina, is considered highly auspicious on these nights at the Arunachalesvara Temple Official Website and under the Full Moon Tithi.

What Is Tiruvannamalai Girivalam And Pournami?

Girivalam means circumambulating the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, following an approximately 14 km path that traces the perimeter of the hill. This ritual has deep spiritual significance in Shaivism and is traditionally performed on full moon nights each month.

Moreover, pournami (Purnima) refers to the day of the full moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. In Tiruvannamalai, Pournami is believed to be especially powerful for spiritual cleansing and blessings when walking around the sacred hill. Girivalam performed on these nights is thought to improve mental peace, spiritual upliftment, and divine grace.

2022 Pournami And Girivalam Dates

Below are the verified **Tiruvannamalai Pournami Dates 2022** for monthly Girivalam pilgrimage, giving both Gregorian dates and their traditional full moon references. Dates listed here follow the Hindu lunar calendar and are confirmed from temple and astrological panchang sources.

Month	Full Moon (Pournami) Date	Day	Comments
January	17 Jan 2022	Monday	Paush Pournami
February	16 Feb 2022	Wednesday	Magha Pournami
March	18 Mar 2022	Friday	Phalguna Pournami
April	16 Apr 2022	Saturday	Chaitra Pournami
May	16 May 2022	Monday	Vaishakha Pournami
June	14 Jun 2022	Tuesday	Jyaishta Pournami
July	13 Jul 2022	Wednesday	Ashadha Pournami
August	11 Aug 2022	Thursday	Shravana Pournami
September	10 Sep 2022	Saturday	Bhadrapada Pournami
October	09 Oct 2022	Sunday	Sharad Pournami
November	08 Nov 2022	Tuesday	Kartik Pournami
December	07 Dec 2022	Wednesday	Margashirsha Pournami

This list of **Tiruvannamalai Pournami Dates 2022** also aligns with general Hindu calendar full moon dates for India but is designed to Girivalam at Arunachala.

How To Plan Girivalam On Pournami Nights

1. Travel And Stay

When I visited Tiruvannamalai for Pournami Girivalam, I found that staying near the Arunachalesvara Temple (in the town’s central area) was most convenient. That way, you can start the walk early without relying on transport late at night.

Moreover, many devotees prefer arriving one day before the scheduled Pournami night to rest and prepare spiritually. Book accommodation well in advance, especially during festival months like March and August when crowd peaks.

2. Timing And Lunar Tithi

Pournami Tithi (full moon period) may begin on one day and end on the next. Check a trusted Panchang (Hindu calendar) or local temple schedule for exact beginning and ending times. If Pournami starts before sunset, devotees usually begin Girivalam in the evening to walk by moonlight.

3. Physical Preparations

Girivalam covers about 14 km. I personally recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes (even though traditionally devotees go barefoot) and carry water, a light snack, and a small first-aid kit. Weather in Tiruvannamalai can be warm in summers, so early evening or night walks are best.

Use a small headlamp or moonlit path for visibility, and keep a phone with GPS for safety. Avoid loud music; this is a spiritual walk focusing on meditation and chanting.

Significance Of Pournami Girivalam At Arunachala

Performing Girivalam on **Tiruvannamalai Pournami Dates 2022** is believed to carry heightened spiritual benefits. On full moon nights, the symbolism of light overcoming darkness is strong in Hindu tradition, and devotees feel strengthened devotion walking around Arunachala Hill under the lunar glow.

Therefore, devotees often chant “Om Namah Shivaya” while walking. Many also fast or perform special rituals earlier in the day to purify body and mind before Girivalam. Some say the energy around the hill is more potent on Pournami nights, though this varies by individual belief and experience.

Best Practices For Pournami Girivalam

• Start Your Walk After Sunset If Pournami Begins In Evening
• Stay Hydrated But Avoid Heavy Meals Just Before The Walk
• Maintain Silence Or Chant Mantras For Spiritual Focus
• Respect Local Customs And Dress Modestly
• Check Local Temple Notices For Any Schedule Changes

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many devotees make a few common errors when planning Girivalam on Pournami nights:

• Not Checking The Exact Pournami Tithi Times — Start Times May Vary Slightly Each Month.
• Underestimating The Walk Distance — Prepare Physically Beforehand.
• Assuming All Months Have Same Pournami Timing — Always Confirm With Panchang Or Temple Board.
• Carrying Heavy Bags — It Makes A 14 km Walk Uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Girivalam?

Girivalam is the act of circumambulating the Arunachala Hill, typically 14 km around, performed by devotees seeking spiritual merit. It takes roughly 3–5 hours depending on pace and rest stops.

Why Are Pournami Nights Special?

Full moon nights are considered sacred in many Hindu traditions as they symbolize fullness, clarity, and spiritual cleansing. On these nights, people believe that prayers and rituals yield stronger spiritual results.

Can Girivalam Be Done On Non-Pournami Days?

Yes, devotees walk around Arunachala any day, but performing Girivalam on Pournami nights is considered the most auspicious and is widely observed.

Is Girivalam Safe For Elderly Participants?

Yes, if they pace themselves, take breaks, and stay hydrated. Start earlier in the evening or morning to avoid fatigue.

Do I Need Permission To Perform Girivalam?

No special permission is required for Girivalam itself. However, local authorities sometimes regulate crowd movement during peak festival months — follow official temple announcements if posted.

---