8 Shiva Lingams Ashtalingams Tiruvannamalai

Ashtalingams or Eight Lingams around Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Tiruvannamalai  is famous for Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Temples of Lord Shiva. Girivalam or circumambulation of the Annamalai Hill the a significant feature of Thiruvannamalai temple. Around the hill, there are 8 Shiva Lingas installed by various gods and they have dominant Navagrahas. Praying to each lingam brings various benefits, conferred by the respective Navagraha.

Ashtalingams (8 Shiva Lingams) around Tiruvannamalai Arunachala Hill

Indra Lingam

This is the first lingam on the Girivalam and has east as its main direction. Said to be installed by the celestial king, Lord Indran, Indra linga is dominated by the Navagrahas,  Lord Surya and Lord Shukra (Venus). Devotees are blessed with long life and with prosperity, on worshipping Indra lingam.

Agni Lingam

Located near the lotus tank, Agni Lingam is the second lingam to worship on the Asta Lingams in Girivalam. Agni Linga faces the south-east direction. This is the only lingam found on the right side of the path, while all other lingams are on the left side. Worshipping this lingam helps the devotees to get relieved from diseases, to maintain good health and also helps to face any challenges with ease in their lives. Lord Chandra (Moon) is the dominant Navagraha of Agni lingam.

Yama Lingam

The third lingam on the Girivalam, the Yama lingam occupies the south direction. Ruled by the red planet, Mangala (Sevvai or Mars), the Yama lingam is said to be installed by the God of Death, Lord Yama. There is a holy tank called Simma Theertham. Devotees get rid of their financial constraints on worshipping the Yama lingam.

Niruthi Lingam

This is the fourth lingam on the Girivalam and its direction is South East. Lord Rahu (Raghu) is the dominant graham of Niruthi lingam. This lingam was installed by Niruthi, the King of Giants. A holy tank called as Sani Theertha is located nearby. Health, wealth and fame are the beneficial aspects of this lingam. It is also said that those couples who are worrying about not having a children will get children by worshipping Niruthi linga.

Varuna Lingam

Installed by the Rain God, Lord Varuna, the Varuna lingam signifies the west direction. This lingam has Lord Shani as its dominant Navagraham. Varuna Theertham, a holy tank, is located here. Devotees are protected from illness, particularly water related diseases.

Vayu Lingam

Occupying the north-west direction, Vayu lingam is installed by the God of Air, Lord Vayu Bhagavan. Kedhu (Kethu) is the dominant graham of this lingam. Relief from heart diseases, stomach problems, lung problems and general illness are conferred to the devotees on worshipping this lingam.

Kubera Lingam

This seventh lingam on the Girivalam faces the northern direction. Installed by Kubera, the God of Wealth, Kubera linga has Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter) as its dominant graham. Improvement in wealth and life status is the beneficial aspect of worshipping Kubera lingam. 

Esanya Lingam

Easanya Linga is the eight lingam in the Girivalam path and faces the north east direction. This lingam was installed by Esanyan, and Lord Budha (Budhan or Planet Mercury) is its dominant Nava graham. Devotees are blessed with peace of mind on offering prayers to Easanya Linga. 

Girivalam in Tiruvannamalai