One of the most adventurous day during our 14 days road-trip through Eastern Ghats of India was when we took a few hikes around Tiruvannamalai to explore some of the ancient and peaceful ashrams where people go for meditation and for fulfilling their spiritual desires. These hikes were very encouraging.
Tiruvannamalai is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. One of the most popular attractions in Tiruvannamalai is the Virupaksha Caves, which are located on a hill overlooking the town. The caves are believed to have been the abode of several sages and saints over the centuries, and are a popular destination for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
To reach the Virupaksha Caves, one must undertake a challenging hike through a rocky terrain. The hike begins at the base of the hill, where a narrow path leads up to the caves. The path is steep and rocky, and requires a good level of fitness and stamina to navigate. However, the stunning views of the town and the surrounding hills make the effort worthwhile.
As you climb higher, you'll encounter several ancient shrines and temples that are nestled amidst the rocks. These shrines are believed to be the sites where the sages and saints meditated and performed penance. They are an important part of the spiritual heritage of Tiruvannamalai, and are revered by the locals.
After about an hour of hiking, you'll reach the Virupaksha Caves. The caves are a series of chambers and passageways that are carved into the rock, and are believed to have been the abode of the sage Virupaksha. The caves are modest in size, but their natural beauty and spiritual significance are awe-inspiring.
Inside the caves, you'll find several shrines and meditation halls that are adorned with ancient rock carvings and inscriptions. The caves are also home to several resident monks and ascetics, who offer guidance and support to visitors seeking spiritual solace.
As you emerge from the caves, you'll be greeted with a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills. The view is breathtaking, and provides a sense of awe and wonder that is hard to put into words.
Overall, the hike to the Virupaksha Caves is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage and natural beauty of Tiruvannamalai. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or an adventure enthusiast, this hike is a must-do activity that should be on your bucket list.
To reach Skand Ashram, one must undertake a challenging hike through a rocky terrain. The hike begins at the base of the hill, where a narrow path leads up to the ashram. The path is steep and rocky, and requires a good level of fitness and stamina to navigate. However, the stunning views of the town and the surrounding hills make the effort worthwhile.
As you climb higher, you'll encounter several ancient shrines and temples that are nestled amidst the rocks. These shrines are believed to be the sites where the sages meditated and performed penance. They are an important part of the spiritual heritage of Tiruvannamalai, and are revered by the locals.
After about an hour of hiking, you'll reach Skand Ashram. The ashram is a modest building that is surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. Inside the ashram, you'll find several halls and rooms that are adorned with pictures and statues of Ramana Maharshi. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, and provides a sense of calm and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere.
As you explore the ashram, you'll come across several resident monks and ascetics who offer guidance and support to visitors seeking spiritual solace. They are warm and welcoming, and are always ready to share their wisdom and insights.
After spending some time at the ashram, you can head back down the hill, taking in the breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding hills. The hike back down is a bit easier than the climb up, but still requires a good level of fitness and stamina.
Apart from the hikes to Virupaksha Caves and Skand Ashram, there are several other hiking trails in and around Tiruvannamalai that are worth exploring. Here are a few of them:
Arunachala Hill: One of the most popular hikes in Tiruvannamalai is the hike to Arunachala Hill, which is considered a sacred spot by many Hindus. The hill is believed to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva, and the hike to the top is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding hills.
Girivalam: Girivalam is a circumambulation of the Arunachala Hill that is considered a sacred practice by many Hindus. The circumambulation is a 14-kilometer hike that takes you around the base of the hill, and is believed to have several spiritual benefits.
Gingee Fort: Gingee Fort is a historic fort located about 40 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai. The fort is perched on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The hike to the top is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Yercaud Hills: Yercaud Hills is a hill station located about 140 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai. The hills are surrounded by lush greenery and offer several hiking trails that are perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Pachaiamman Temple: Pachaiamman Temple is a popular pilgrimage spot located about 25 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai. The temple is nestled amidst the hills and offers several hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Virupaksha caves are believed to have been the abode of several sages and saints over the centuries, and are a popular destination for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Here are some things to do around Virupaksha Caves in Tiruvannamalai:
Explore the Caves: The Virupaksha Caves are a series of chambers and passageways that are carved into the rock. Inside the caves, you'll find several shrines and meditation halls that are adorned with ancient rock carvings and inscriptions. Exploring the caves is a must-do activity, as it provides a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region.
Take in the Views: The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking, and provide a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills. Take some time to sit and enjoy the views, as it's a great way to soak in the natural beauty of the region.
Visit the Temples: As you hike up to the Virupaksha Caves, you'll encounter several ancient shrines and temples that are nestled amidst the rocks. These shrines are believed to be the sites where the sages meditated and performed penance. They are an important part of the spiritual heritage of Tiruvannamalai, and are revered by the locals.
Attend a Meditation or Yoga Session: Several resident monks and ascetics conduct meditation and yoga sessions in and around the Virupaksha Caves. These sessions are a great way to connect with your inner self and experience the spiritual energy of the region.
Enjoy a Picnic: The area around the Virupaksha Caves is a great spot for a picnic. Pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Take a Guided Tour: If you want to learn more about the history and significance of the Virupaksha Caves, consider taking a guided tour. Several local tour operators offer guided tours that provide insights into the spiritual heritage of the region.
There are several ancient temples located on the way to Virupaksha Caves in Tiruvannamalai. Here are a few of them:
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is located at the base of the hill that leads to the Virupaksha Caves. The ashram is dedicated to Sri Seshadri Swamigal, a saint who lived in Tiruvannamalai in the early 20th century. The ashram has a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
Sri Ramanasramam: Sri Ramanasramam is a spiritual center located on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai. The center is dedicated to Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned sage who lived in the town in the early 20th century. Sri Ramanasramam has several temples and meditation halls that are open to visitors.
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple: Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple is a historic temple located in the heart of Tiruvannamalai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is believed to be one of the largest temples in South India. The temple is located at the base of the Arunachala Hill, and is a popular destination for pilgrims.
Sri Virupaksha Temple: Sri Virupaksha Temple is a small temple located on the hill that leads to the Virupaksha Caves. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Tiruvannamalai. The temple is located amidst the rocks, and provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
The Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple is believed to be the oldest temple in Tiruvannamalai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at the base of the Arunachala Hill, which is considered a sacred spot by many Hindus. The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. The temple has a rich history and is revered by the locals as well as devotees from all over the world. It is one of the largest and most important temples in South India and attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists every year.
There is a water pond located on the way to Virupaksha Caves in Tiruvannamalai. The pond is known as the "Pond of the Saint" or "Siddhar Padam Thirtham" and is believed to have been used by several sages and saints over the centuries for their spiritual practices. The pond is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
According to local legends, the water in the pond has healing properties and is believed to cure several ailments. The pond is considered a sacred spot by many Hindus and is visited by several pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
The pond is located on the way to the Virupaksha Caves, and many visitors stop here to take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The pond is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk, and provides a refreshing break from the challenging hike to the caves.
There are several ashrams located on the way to Virupaksha Caves in Tiruvannamalai. Here are a few of them:
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is located at the base of the hill that leads to the Virupaksha Caves. The ashram is dedicated to Sri Seshadri Swamigal, a saint who lived in Tiruvannamalai in the early 20th century. The ashram has a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
Sri Ramanasramam: Sri Ramanasramam is a spiritual center located on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai. The center is dedicated to Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned sage who lived in the town in the early 20th century. Sri Ramanasramam has several temples and meditation halls that are open to visitors.
Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram: Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram is located on the way to the Virupaksha Caves and is dedicated to Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar, a saint who lived in Tiruvannamalai in the 20th century. The ashram has a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar, and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Brindavanam: Sri Seshadri Swamigal Brindavanam is located on the way to the Virupaksha Caves and is dedicated to Sri Seshadri Swamigal. The ashram has a beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
Above photograph is clicked when we were climbing up from the town to the caves and while coming back it started raining. We drenched very badly and had to change our cloths on our journey ahead. Initially we tried to find a decent restaurant with washroom where we could change, but we couldn't locate one and it was still raining. We moved on and moved out of the city area. Put some cloths on windows and changed cloths inside the car.
This small hike was quite an event for us and had wonderful time in Trivannamalai.
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