Arunachala, Tiruvannamalai

Arunachala Mountain is a sacred hill located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered one of the most revered and ancient spiritual sites in Hinduism. Here are some interesting facts about Arunachala Mountain:

1. **Sacred Hill**: Arunachala Mountain is considered a sacred hill because it is said to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. The hill is believed to have the power to destroy ego and ignorance.

2. **Name**: The name "Arunachala" is derived from the words "Aruna" meaning red and "Chala" meaning mountain. The hill is said to be radiant with a reddish glow, especially during sunrise and sunset.

3. **Age**: The hill is estimated to be around 3,000-4,000 years old, making it one of the oldest sacred sites in India.

4. **Circumambulation**: The hill is surrounded by a 14-kilometer-long path that devotees circumambulate (pradakshina) as a form of spiritual practice. This path is believed to remove obstacles and bring spiritual growth.

5. **Guru Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi**: The famous sage and spiritual master, Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi, lived in Tiruvannamalai and spent most of his time at the foot of Arunachala Mountain. He was said to have attained self-realization while meditating on the hill.

6. **Mahashivaratri**: The night of Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva) is celebrated with great fervor on the hill. Devotees stay awake throughout the night, performing rituals, chanting mantras, and performing austerities.

7. **Ramanasramam**: A ashram was established by Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi at the foot of the hill, which has become a major pilgrimage site for devotees from around the world.

8. **Panoramic View**: From the top of the hill, one can see a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, which is said to be a representation of the universe.

9. **Sri Rama Krishna Ashram**: Another ashram, Sri Rama Krishna Ashram, was established on the hill by Swami Rama Krishna Paramhamsa, who was a disciple of Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi.

10. **Pilgrimage Site**: Arunachala Mountain is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from all over India and abroad. It attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to circumambulate the hill, perform rituals, and seek spiritual enlightenment.

Arunachala Mountain is a sacred site that holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Its spowerful energy attract visitors from all over the world who seek to experience its transformative power.