The call of Arunachala drew me to embark on the 14-kilometre barefoot journey of Giripradakshina, a circumambulation of the Arunachala Hill, with equal parts trepidation and determination. The spiritual promise of the act was alluring, yet I couldn’t help but wonder if my body could withstand this. As dawn’s first light gilded the sacred hill, my companions and I exchanged resolute glances, summoning the courage to take our first steps on this path of devotion.

From the very beginning, I felt something extraordinary—a serene energy that seemed to embrace each one of us. This wasn’t just a walk; it was a communion with the divine. The uneven, dusty trail beneath my bare feet seemed alive, as though whispering tales of countless pilgrims who had come before. On our way, we came upon lingams, sacred symbols of Lord Shiva’s infinite presence. Each lingam, is associated with one of the five elemental forces—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. It was a quiet reminder of the universe’s interconnectedness. I paused at every shrine, bowing my head in reverence and drawing strength for the journey ahead.

As the sun ascended higher, the heat intensified, turning the ground into a test of endurance. My feet burned, but the rhythm of the walk had a meditative quality. The chants of “Om Arunachaleswaraya Namah” resonated through the air, merging with the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of birds. It was as if nature herself was part of the pilgrimage, amplifying the devotion of those who walked this sacred path.

The journey wasn’t solitary, though. Along the way, I encountered pilgrims from across the country—some who had travelled for days to be here. Their unwavering faith was inspiring, a testament to the power of belief. I also met wandering sages who seemed to embody timeless wisdom. Their serene faces spoke volumes, and the stories they shared brimmed with devotion and profound insights into life’s purpose.

At one point, I came across a marker with the inscription “Moksha Margam”—the Path to Liberation. It was a poignant reminder of the deeper reason for this journey. This wasn’t just a test of physical endurance; it was an act of surrender, an offering of oneself to the divine. By now, my feet were blistered and sore, and each step felt like a challenge.

Exhausted, I sat by the roadside, unsure if I could go any further. With my eyes closed, I whispered a simple prayer, asking for strength. In that moment of vulnerability, something miraculous occurred. A quiet but undeniable energy seemed to flow through me, as though the hill itself had answered my plea. Encouraged and humbled, I rose to my feet and pressed on, one step at a time.

When I finally completed the Giripradakshina, I collapsed at the foot of the hill, overwhelmed with gratitude. My feet were bruised and blistered, but my heart felt weightless, filled with a profound sense of peace. Tears streamed down my face as I offered my thanks to Lord Arunachala for guiding me through.

The final kilometres were the most gruelling but also the most transformative. I saw sages meditating beneath ancient trees, their tranquillity a living testament to the spiritual pull of Arunachala. Their presence reminded me that this was not just a journey of the body but one of the soul—a path to shed worldly burdens and connect with the eternal.

This wasn’t just a 14-kilometer walk. It was a journey into faith, an encounter with my inner strength, and a moment of communion with the divine. As I left the hill, my body weary but my spirit uplifted, I knew that Arunachala had imprinted its eternal grace upon my soul.

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