In most of the holy places the Deity is found atop the hill. But here the Holy hill itself is the Deity (Lord Annamalaiyar) and is worshipped. "Arunam" means sun and denotes the red colour of fire. "Asalam" means "Giri" or "malai" (mountain). Thus "Arunachalam" means the Holy hill which is red in colour. The Holy hill is 2668 ft. high.

The Annamalai Hill was Agni (fire) during Kirthayugam, was Manikkam (Emerad) during Threthayugam, was Pon (Gold) during Dwaparayugam and rock during Kaliyugam. There are eight lingams located at the eight directions and provides an octagonal structure to Thiruvannamalai Town. The eight lingams are: Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam and Esanya Lingam. The Adi Annamalai Temple glorified in Dhevaram is located on this path.

The circumambulation path is 14 kilometres. History has it that even today a number of siddhars are living on the hill. It is auspicious to perform "Girilvalam" during every Full moon day which would do immense good. It is because during Full Moon Day siddhars movement would be there and the whole atmosphere would be filled with perfumes of herbal plants. This will provide peace of mind and good health to body. It is a proven fact that on every Full moon day lakhs of devotees circumambulate the Hill and get all benefits by praying to Lord Annamalaiyar.

The circumambulation path has been provided with sodium lamps at the expense of 12 lakhs donated by cine artist Thiru Rajinikanth. This benefits pilgrims who perform circumambulation during night times. On behalf of Town administration bore well pumps are erected to supply drinking water to pilgrims. Moreover for the benefit of the devotees during special occasions annadhanam is performed by Sri Agasthiar Ashram,and so many donors. Milk is distributed by certain well wishers.

Name	Instated By	Cardial / Primary InterCardial Directions	Presiding Navagrahas	Well-Being of Worship
Indra Lingam	Lord Indran, the king of Celestials	East	Sun and Sukiran	Long Life and Fame
Agni Lingam	Lord Agni God of Fire	South East	Chandran	Relief from Dieases and Fear
Yama Lingam	Yama, God of Death	South	Chevvai	Long Life
Niruthilingam	Niruthi, The King of Giants	South West	Raghu	Health, Wealth, Fame and Child Birth
Varunalingam	Varuna, God of Rain	West	Sani (Saturn)	Relief from Illness mainly caused by Water
Vayulingam	Vayu, God of Air	North West	Kethu	Relief from illness of Heart, Breathing, Stomach
Kupera Lingam	Kuperan, God of Wealth	North	Guru	Wealth and Improvement in Life Status
Easanya Lingam	Easanyan	North East	Bhudhan	Peace of Mind