Walking the 14km Girivalam path around Arunachala during Pournami (Full Moon) is considered profoundly auspicious. Millions of devotees gather every month for this sacred circumambulation.
The exact timing of the Full Moon (Pournami Tithi) changes based on the Hindu lunar calendar. It does not always align perfectly with a midnight-to-midnight Gregorian day. Often, the tithi begins on one afternoon and ends the following afternoon.
Upcoming Pournami Dates
| Month | Pournami Start Time | Pournami End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chithirai (April/May) | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
| Vaikasi (May/June) | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
| Aani (June/July) | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
| Aadi (July/August) | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
| Avani (August/September) | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
| Karthigai (Nov/Dec)* | Check local almanac | Check local almanac |
*The Karthigai Deepam Pournami is the largest festival of the year, attracting over 3 million visitors.
Important Advice for Pournami Visitors
- Book Rooms Extremely Early: Hotels and ashrams in Tiruvannamalai get fully booked weeks, sometimes months, before a Pournami date. Do not arrive without a reservation expecting to find a room.
- Traffic Restrictions: On Pournami days, police restrict vehicle entry into the town. You will have to park in designated lots on the outskirts and walk or take special buses into town.
- When to Walk: While you can start walking at any time during the Tithi, starting around 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM is recommended to avoid the heaviest crush of the crowd and to enjoy the cool morning air.
Secure Your Stay for the Next Pournami
Don't wait until the last minute. Message us on WhatsApp to check room availability for upcoming full moon dates.