Yama Lingam
Tiruvannamalai, India
- Admire the architecture of the temple.
- Meditate for inner peace.
- Offer prayers to Yama.
- Participate in Girivalam.
Known for:
Description:
Yama Lingam, one of the eight lingams situated around the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, holds significance for devotees seeking blessings related to longevity and overcoming fear of death. It faces the south, the direction associated with Yama, the God of Death. Pilgrims often visit this lingam to appease Yama and seek his blessings for a healthy and long life. The serene atmosphere and spiritual aura surrounding Yama Lingam make it a significant stop on the Girivalam path, a circumambulation of Arunachala Hill. The lingam is relatively less crowded compared to some of the other Ashtalingams, allowing for a more personal and contemplative experience. Devotees often perform prayers and rituals here, seeking protection from negative energies and the blessings of Yama for a peaceful life and transition.
History:
The history of Yama Lingam, like the other Ashtalingams, is deeply intertwined with the legend of Arunachala Hill itself. The lingams are believed to have been established over centuries, with various saints and devotees contributing to their construction and maintenance. While precise historical records are scarce, the existence of these lingams is mentioned in ancient texts and oral traditions associated with Tiruvannamalai. The placement of each lingam corresponds to a specific direction and deity, reflecting the cosmic significance of Arunachala. Yama Lingam, facing south, has been a place of worship for those seeking liberation from the fear of death and the blessings of Yama, the Lord of Justice. Over time, it has become an integral part of the Girivalam pilgrimage, attracting devotees from all over India.