Loading...
Loading...

A sanctuary at the foothills of the sacred Arunachala Hill — where ancient energy meets modern tranquility.
The name “Anaasa” means soul — and “Shivoham” is the ancient Vedic mahavakya meaning I am That — a declaration that the self and the divine are one. Here, in the shadow of Arunachala, Shivoham carries its deepest resonance: I am Shiva. Together, the name is an invitation — for the soul to remember its true nature, and to rest in that knowing.
“Anaasa — Soul.
Shivoham — I am Shiva.”✦
Anaasa Shivoham is nestled at the foothills of the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu — one of the most spiritually significant destinations in South India. Far from the noise and relentless pace of city life, our green campus offers the rare gift of true stillness — where the air is clean, the nights are quiet, and the only rhythm that matters is your own breath.
Tiruvannamalai is home to one of the celebrated Pancha Bhuta Sthalas — five sacred Shiva temples across South India, each enshrining one of the five cosmic elements. Here, Arunachala enshrines Agni, the element of fire — the primordial flame that burns away illusion and illuminates the self. The Hill is not merely stone; it is believed to be Shiva himself, manifested as light.
At the base of this living Hill stands the magnificent Annamalaiyar Temple — one of the largest temple complexes in India, spanning over 25 acres and towering with ancient gopurams. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Annamalaiyar and Goddess Parvati as Unnamalai Amman, the temple draws millions of devotees who come to seek blessings, witness grand rituals, and immerse themselves in a living tradition that stretches back over a thousand years.

Among the most sacred of all practices here is the Girivalam — the circumambulation of Arunachala along a 14-kilometre path at the foot of the Hill. Walked barefoot, in silence, under the open sky, Girivalam is believed to dissolve karma and awaken the seeker. On full-moon nights, hundreds of thousands of devotees walk together in a river of light and devotion — one of the most awe-inspiring spiritual gatherings on earth.

The Full Moon
Every full moon, the Hill transforms into a luminous crown. Hundreds of thousands gather to walk the Girivalam in silver light — a night of profound grace and collective surrender.
The Festival of Light
Once a year, a colossal flame is lit on the summit of Arunachala, visible for miles around. It is said that on this night, Shiva himself appears as a column of fire — and to witness it is to be forever changed.
At Anaasa Shivoham, we are more than a resort — we are a community devoted to seva (selfless service). Our team is trained to receive every guest with warmth and respect, assisting with puja bookings, priest arrangements, Girivalam logistics, temple visits, and day excursions to Gingee Fort, Sathanur Dam, and Virupaksha Cave.