ARUNACHALA
The Eight Cardinal Lingams

First lingam encountered on the Circumambulation of the Hill. Worshipping this lingam is said to yield a healthy and wealthy life.

SOUTHEAST:
ANGI LINGAM

Second lingam. It is near the "Lotus Tank" and located right next to the ashram of Sri Seshadri Swamigal, the saint with the golden hand. Interestingly enough, it is the only lingam placed on right side of the circumambulation path. All other  lingams are placed on left side. It occupies the Southeast direction. Worshipping here is said to relieve devotees from all diseases as well as to gain strength to face the challenges of life. Located close to the southeast lingam is the newly constructed ashram of Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar, as well.

DUE SOUTH:
YAMA LINGAM

The third lingam, three kilometers from the Rajagopuram (the main temple tower) and located in the directly due south position a short distance past the Ashram of the Holy Sage of Arunachala Sri Ramana Maharshi. Yama Lingam has a holy tank called "Simma Theertha". It is believed that worship at this lingam solves economical problems.

SOUTHWEST:
NIRUTTHI LINGMAN

 The fourth lingam. While it is possible to see the peak of the Holy Hill Arunachala from all eight lingams, the view from this lingam shows two parts of the mountain, Siva and Sakthi directly aligned together (click image to right for additional information). It is located at the Southwest cardinal point with a holy tank nearby called "Sani Theertha". Worshipping Nirutthi Lingam is said to relieve devotees from difficulties. Because of the alignment of the mountains and being roughly half way it is said Sri Ramana Maharshi would stop near the Nirutthi Lingam regularly for a short rest during Circumambulation. So too, because of that alignment the temple and dharmasala of Vallalar (Ramalinga Swamigal) is on the right of the road allowing for the most sacred of views.

DUE WEST:
VARUNA LINGAM

Fifth lingam, located due West of the hill Arunachala. It is eight kilometers from the main temple tower. One of the holy tanks called "Varuna theertha" is here. Worship of this temple relieves devotees from crucial diseases and promotes social status.

NORTHWEST:
VAAYU LINGAM

The sixth lingam. Reaching this temple devotees feel the pleasantness of spring and get peace of mind. It is placed in Northwest direction. Worshipping here confers boon on  ladies and children.

DUE NORTH:
KUBERA LINGAM

The seventh lingam. Located at the North cardinal point. Almost all devotees who come for circumambulation worship here by throwing coins and currencies on this lingam. Worshipping here grants economical growth, and promotes peace of mind.

NORTHEAST:
EESAANYA LINGAM

The eighth and last lingam. Here a devotee is said to get peace of mind and the ability to concentrate on god. It is said as well that after meeting Swami Ramdas one night in Meenakshi Temple in Madura, it was at this lingam the young American chronicled in W. Somerset Maugham's The Razor's Edge made his decision to stay and study under Sri Ramana Maharshi, eventually Awakening to the Absolute through the grace and light of the Maharshi.