In a welcome move for thousands of pilgrims expected to participate in the sacred Pournami Girivalam, Southern Railway has announced special unreserved train services between Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram on June 29, 2026.
The special trains are being operated to accommodate the heavy rush of devotees visiting the famous Arunachaleswarar Temple during the Full Moon (Pournami), when lakhs of pilgrims perform the sacred Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) around the holy Arunachala Hill.
Southern Railway Pournami Girivalam Special Train Details
Southern Railway will operate the following Unreserved Special Trains:
| Train No. | Route | Service Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06130 | Villupuram → Tiruvannamalai | Unreserved Special | 29 June 2026 |
| 06129 | Tiruvannamalai → Villupuram | Unreserved Special | 29 June 2026 |
The special services are intended to help pilgrims travel conveniently during one of the busiest spiritual occasions in Tamil Nadu.
Why is Pournami Girivalam Special?
Every Full Moon day, millions of devotees believe that walking around the sacred Arunachala Hill brings:
Spiritual purification
Inner peace
Relief from negative karma
Blessings of Lord Shiva
Physical and mental well-being
The 14-kilometre Girivalam path is considered one of India's holiest pilgrimage circuits.
About Arunachaleswarar Temple
The Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India.
Temple Highlights
One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams
Represents the Fire (Agni) Element
Dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Unnamulai Amman
Features magnificent Dravidian architecture
Famous for Karthigai Deepam Festival
Draws devotees throughout the year
What is Girivalam?
Girivalam (also known as Giri Pradakshina) is the sacred act of walking barefoot around the Arunachala Hill.
Distance
Approximately 14 kilometres
Duration
Typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on crowd levels.
Best Time
Most devotees begin after sunset or during the Full Moon night when the spiritual atmosphere is believed to be most auspicious.
Eight Sacred Lingams Along the Girivalam Route
Pilgrims traditionally worship eight important Shiva Lingams during the walk:
Indra Lingam
Agni Lingam
Yama Lingam
Niruthi Lingam
Varuna Lingam
Vayu Lingam
Kubera Lingam
Esanya Lingam
Visiting these shrines is considered an integral part of the Girivalam experience.
Why Special Trains Are Important
Pournami attracts lakhs of pilgrims from:
Chennai
Villupuram
Puducherry
Bengaluru
Salem
Vellore
Tirupati
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Kerala
To manage this huge influx, Southern Railway regularly introduces special train services.
Benefits include:
Reduced road congestion
Affordable travel
Safer transportation
Better crowd management
Convenient connectivity
Travel Tips for Girivalam Devotees
If you're planning to participate:
Arrive Early
Expect heavy crowds throughout the day and evening.
Carry Essentials
Drinking water
Comfortable footwear (until the start of the barefoot walk)
Torch or flashlight
Light snacks
Personal medicines
Umbrella or rain protection if required
Dress Modestly
Traditional attire is recommended while visiting the temple.
Stay Hydrated
June temperatures can remain warm even during the evening.
Temple Darshan Information
Devotees can combine Girivalam with:
General Darshan
Special Darshan (subject to availability)
Abhishekam
Archana
Deepa Aradhana
It is advisable to check the temple's official schedule before travel.
How to Reach Tiruvannamalai
By Train
Special trains from Villupuram complement the regular Southern Railway services.
By Road
Frequent buses operate from:
Chennai
Bengaluru
Vellore
Salem
Tirupati
Puducherry
Nearest Airports
Chennai International Airport
Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport
Puducherry Airport (limited connectivity)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Pournami Girivalam Special Train run?
The special trains will operate on June 29, 2026.
Are these reserved trains?
No. Both Train No. 06130 and 06129 will operate as Unreserved Special services.
How long is the Girivalam route?
The sacred Girivalam path is approximately 14 kilometres around Arunachala Hill.
Is Girivalam performed only on Full Moon?
Girivalam can be performed on any day, but Pournami (Full Moon) is considered the most auspicious and attracts the largest number of devotees.
Which deity is worshipped at Tiruvannamalai?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswarar (Lord Shiva).
Conclusion
The announcement of Pournami Girivalam Special Trains by Southern Railway is welcome news for thousands of devotees planning to visit Tiruvannamalai on June 29, 2026. These additional unreserved services between Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai will help ease travel during one of the busiest spiritual events in Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims are advised to plan their journey in advance, arrive early due to the expected rush, and make the most of this sacred Full Moon pilgrimage by participating in the revered Girivalam around Arunachala Hill. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular devotee, the special train services offer a convenient and affordable way to experience one of India's most spiritually significant traditions.
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