Tiruvannamalai’s sacred hill is famous for the Arunachaleswara Temple, which is one of Lord Shiva’s Pancha Bhoota (five elements) temples. On Deepam, hundreds of devotees do Girivalam (circumambulation) around the hill to obtain Lord Shiva’s gracious blessings. In the circumambulation path, Ashtalingam (8 Shiva Lingams) are placed to defend each of the eight directions. The eight Lingams are grouped in an octagonal configuration and pray to who can bestow major benefits.

Tiruvannamalai’s Ashtalingams

Lord Arunachaleswara’s main temple is encircled by eight lingams, each erected at one of the four cardinal points (North, East, South, and West) and four intercardinal points (North East, North West, South East, and South West). The guardians of the four cardinal points are known as ‘Lokapalas,’ and the eight deities are known as ‘Ashta Lokapalas,’ combined with the guardians of the intercardinal points.

The names of the Ashtalingams are:

Indra Lingam (East)

Agni Lingam (South East)

Yama (Ema) Lingam (South)

Niruthi Lingam (South West)

Varuna Lingam (West)

Vayu Lingam (North West)

Kubera Lingam (North)

Esanya Lingam (North East)

Indra Lingam (East)

The Indra Lingam is oriented eastward and is linked with the heavenly Lord Indra. Indra is the ruler of heaven, and Indrani is his consort, according to legend. Iravatham, a four-tusked white elephant, is his vehicle. Lord Indra is represented reclining on his vehicle, holding his weapon, the Vajra (thunderbolt), with which he eliminates ignorance and bestows spiritual insight to his fervent believers.

Surya (Sun) and Shukra are the Navagrahas linked with Indra Lingam (Venus). Propitiating Indra Lingam can bring you wealth and longevity.

Agni Lingam(South East)

Lord Chandra is linked with Agni Lingam, which is erected towards South East (Moon). Lord Agni is represented with seven hands and seven tongues, and his chariot is the goad Saga. He is the source of light for the entire cosmos and the fire of understanding. He is commonly summoned at Homas (fire labs), with his chariot serving as the sacrificial beast.

Offering prayers to Agni Lingam will help you overcome ailments, preserve good health, and gain the strength to confront life’s challenges.

Yama Lingam (South)

Lord Yama is the God of Death, and Yama Lingam is positioned to the south. This lingam is linked to the planet Mangala (Mars). Lord Yama is shown riding a black buffalo named Mahishan and flanked by two monster hounds. He is said to have a massive rope with which he would take a person to paradise or hell at the time of death according to his or her karma.

Worshiping Yama Linga will help you overcome financial difficulties while also increasing your longevity.

Niruthi Ligam (South West)

Niruthi Lingam is connected with the nodal planet Rahu and faces southwest. Niruthi is the Asura (demon) king, and his transportation is a dog. He is thought to co-rule the southern region with Lord Yama, the deity of death. According to mythology, King Nala bathed in the Niruthi Lingam Theertham (holy tank) to cleanse himself of his sins.

This Lingam is thought to protect individuals from the negative effects of black magic and other negative energies. Worshiping Niruthi Lingam would bring you excellent health, prosperity, renown, and offspring blessings.

Varuna Lingam (West)

Lord Shani (Saturn) is the prominent planet of Varuna Lingam, which is erected towards the West. Makara, Varuna’s chariot, is an amphibian (one that dwells on both land and water) with the head and front legs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish.

Varuna is the monarch of appreciation and joy in mythology, and he rules over the entire world. He is revered as the deity of rain and all water bodies across the globe. According to legend, Surya is Varuna’s eye, and when Surya falls in the Makara constellation, a unique event known as Makara Sankranti is celebrated every year in mid-January. In Tamil Nadu, this event is known as Pongal.

 Vayu Lingam (North West)

Vayu Lingam is located in the North West direction and is linked with the nodal planet Ketu. According to tradition, Vayu is the deity of wind and the source of all life-giving air in the cosmos. His mount is a deer, and he is frequently linked with Lord Indra.

Anyone visiting this temple at any time of year is greeted with a gust of wind, according to legend.

Kubera Lingam (North)

Kubera Lingam is erected towards the North and is linked with Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter). Kubera is the leader of the yakshas and the banker of heaven, guarding the treasures of the celestial creatures, according to legend. He has three legs and eight fangs, and his transportation is a female goat. He lives with his consort Yakshi in the Himalayas.

Kubera is said to have come here to worship Lord Arunachaleswara in order to keep his wealth and plenty. As a result, a Lingam is built at this location, facing North from the peak.

Esanya Lingam (North East)

Esanya Lingam is oriented north-east and is linked with Budha or the planet Mercury. Esanya is one of Lord Shiva’s seven Rudras, according to Hindu mythology. He had matted hair, flaming eyes, an ash-covered physique, and a crescent Moon and Ganga in his hair locks. He’s sitting on a tiger skin, surrounded by spirits. His torso is clothed in coiled serpents, and he holds the drum and trident in his hands.