Annadhanam Maha Dhaanam” – Feeding the hungry is the greatest charity

Tiruvannamalai, the holy town in Tamil Nadu, is home to the revered Arunachaleswarar Temple and the sacred Arunachala Hill. Devotees believe that the hill itself is a form of Lord Shiva, and walking around it—known as Girivalam or Pradakshina—is considered highly auspicious. On every Pournami (Full Moon) night, thousands of devotees from across India and beyond undertake this 14-kilometer Girivalam, chanting prayers and surrendering themselves to Lord Arunachala. This divine journey is believed to wash away sins, grant spiritual enlightenment, and bestow immense blessings. Among these pilgrims are sadhus and sanyasis, renunciates who have devoted their lives to spiritual practice, meditation, and penance. Many of them live in caves, ashrams, and under trees around the Girivalapath, sustaining themselves solely on donations from kind-hearted devotees. These sadhus, clad in saffron robes, radiate divine energy, offering blessings to those who support them with food, water, and shelter. Realizing the importance of Annadhanam (food donation), several devotees and charitable groups ensure that no sadhu goes hungry during Girivalam. Along the path, dedicated volunteers set up stalls distributing food, fruits, buttermilk, and water to these ascetics and other pilgrims. It is believed that offering food to sadhus during Girivalam brings immense punya (spiritual merit), as feeding a holy person is equivalent to serving the Lord Himself. The tradition of Annadhanam on Girivalapath continues to thrive, making Tiruvannamalai a place not just of spiritual power but also of boundless compassion. Those who take part in this noble act receive divine blessings, ensuring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth in their lives.