Easanya Lingam — Attraction in Tiruvannamalai

I visited the Esanya Lingam, the eighth and final Ashta Lingam on the sacred Girivalam path around Arunachala Hill—situated in the northeast direction near the cremation grounds. It's a deeply spiritual spot revered for its divine energy and symbolism tied to Lord Shiva’s Rudra form and planet Mercury.

🌿 Spiritual Significance The Esanya Lingam is associated with inner peace, concentration, and mental clarity—believed to relieve the ill effects of Saturn and promote divine insight Devotees often feel a strong vibrational presence here and describe blessings of wisdom and calm.

🚶‍♀️ Girivalam Experience Reaching this shrine is part of the approximately 14 km Girivalam pilgrimage, and Esanya Lingam marks the culmination point before completing the circle at Arunachaleswarar Temple. I chose early morning and found the shrine serene, with minimal crowd. Many local devotees recommend visiting during early hours for a more meditative experience.

🗺️ Location & Ambience It’s set beside the old Girivalam road next to the cremation grounds, approximately 2.5–2.8 km from the main Arunachaleswarar Temple. The setting is simple yet powerful—surrounded by quiet greenery and an atmosphere that inspires introspection.

FeatureExperience & RecommendationSpiritual VibrationVery strong sense of peace and focusCrowds & AccessibilityLight crowds early morning; path accessible all yearEnvironmentSerene, slightly secluded setting by cremation groundsIdeal Visit TimeEarly morning (5 AM–7 AM recommended)What to BringWhite flowers, water, optional mantra chant, walk barefoot. Easanya Lingam made a profound impact on my spiritual journey. It’s a sacred stop full of symbolic depth and energy, especially meaningful for those walking the full Girivalam. Whether you seek peace, mental clarity, or a deeper connection to the divine, Esanya Lingam is a powerful place to pause...

Esanya Lingam in Thiruvannamalai is the eighth and last lingam (Ashta Lingams) which one encounters during Girivalam in Thiruvannamalai. This lingam is sometimes spelt as Eesaniya Lingam or Eesaaniya Lingam. Esanya Linga has the north east as its direction. It is located on the old Girivalam road to town, beside the main cremation grounds. This lingam was installed by Esanyan and has Lord Budha (Mercury) as its dominant Navagraha. Esanya is one of the seven Rudras of Shiva. He is covered with ashes and surrounded by ghosts; he has matted locks and fierce eyes and is seated on a tiger skin. He holds the crescent moon and the river Ganga in his locks. His body is adorned by coiled serpents. In his hands he holds the mortal drum and the trident of Shiva.

Devotees are blessed with peace of mind on offering prayers to Easanya Linga.

Creation This lingam has been created by Esanya who is among the seven important Rudras of Lord Shiva. Esanya sits on a tiger skin, his eyes are very fierce and his hair is matted through which the river Ganga flows. Lord Shiva's trident and his drum are held by him.

Navagraha Esanya Lingam’s dominant Navagraha is Budhan who is also known as Budha. The Moon signs of Esanya Lingam are Gemini (Mithuna) and Virgo (Kanya).

Speciality Worshipping at this Lingam gives good concentration, mental peace and also removes ill effects which are caused by Saturn. Location Esanya lingam is located towards the North East of Arunachala hill. The Cremation Ground is the nearest landmark to this Lingam. This lingam is located at about 2.5 km to 2.8 km from Arulmigu...

The Asta Lingams of Arunachala, the eight special Siva lingams that encircle the holy hill, are old features, dating back hundreds of years. It is said that visiting and worshiping these lingams brings great spiritual benefit. For the millions of people who, each year during the full moon nights, perform Arunachala Girivalam (also called Pradakshina, spiritual circumambulation), praying at these Asta Lingams is a major element of their experience.

Each of these eight lingams has a presiding star and is named for a God or Rishi that worshiped Siva (from this very location, it is often said). Each has a specific spiritual attribute. Each can provide assistance with some kind of major life issue, or illness. You can find out a lot about them by Googling “asta lingam.”

Recently Carol and I were given a tour of these lingams by Saran, a local man who we think is the best of the Arunachala guides. He grew up living on the side of Arunachala, deeply loves this holy hill, and is steeped in local knowledge and traditions. He gave us a way of approaching the Asta Lingams that I don’t find on the web or in books. This is a deep local tradition about how to use worship and prayer at these sacred lingams for and...