The 8 Ashta Lingam Temples
Eight small shrines encircle Arunachala Hill, each guarding one of the eight directions and consecrated to a Dikpalaka (directional guardian deity). Together they mark the Girivalam path devotees walk clockwise around the hill.
What Are the Ashta Lingams?
"Ashta" means eight and "Lingam" refers to the symbolic form of Lord Shiva. The Ashta Lingam temples are eight small shrines positioned around Arunachala Hill, each facing one of the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions and dedicated to that direction's guardian deity (Dikpalaka) — Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Eesanya.
Devotees performing Girivalam stop at each of these temples along the 14km path, offering brief prayers as they circle the hill clockwise, keeping Arunachala on their right.
All 8 Temples, In Route Order
Stop 1 of 8
Indra Lingam
Guardian deity: Indra, king of the celestial devas
Marks the start of the Girivalam path on the eastern side, close to Arunachaleswarar Temple's main entrance. Devotees typically begin their circumambulation here.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 2 of 8
Agni Lingam
Guardian deity: Agni, the fire god
Located in the south-east, associated with purification through sacred fire. Many devotees pause here for a short prayer before continuing south.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 3 of 8
Yama Lingam
Guardian deity: Yama, lord of dharma and death
Guards the southern direction. Traditionally linked with overcoming the fear of death and living a righteous life.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 4 of 8
Nirruti Lingam
Guardian deity: Nirruti, guardian against misfortune
Sits in the south-west, believed to protect devotees from evil forces and obstacles on their spiritual path.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 5 of 8
Varuna Lingam
Guardian deity: Varuna, lord of water and oceans
Positioned in the west, near water bodies. Associated with cleansing and the flow of life.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 6 of 8
Vayu Lingam
Guardian deity: Vayu, the wind god
Located north-west. Represents prana (life force/breath) and is linked to health and vitality.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 7 of 8
Kubera Lingam
Guardian deity: Kubera, lord of wealth
Guards the north, invoked by devotees seeking prosperity and abundance.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stop 8 of 8
Esanya Lingam
Guardian deity: Eesanya (Shiva) — lord of the north-east
The final of the 8 temples on the clockwise route, marking the return stretch toward Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Find Every Temple on the Live Map
Track your location and get directions to each Ashta Lingam temple as you walk the Girivalam path.