INCORPORATING NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT GIRIVALAM PATH IN TIRUVANNAMALAI

Project outline:

To address the issues faced by the devotees visiting Arunachaleshwarar temple to perform Girivalam
during full moon nights.

Redefining the path by widening roads for circumambulation,

Yatri nivas for the devotees from outside the town,

Locations for annadhanam with adequate infrastructure and to prevent the path from littering which is
the major after cause of every full moon night.

Focus of study:

Already Tamilnadu government proposed to widen the 14km girivalam path to accommodate more
pilgrims during full moon nights when the crowd is at its peak and yatri nivas on sona nathi forest along the
girivalam path. But both the projects were halted following a series of protests by environmentalists and
devotees as the proposal involves felling of very old trees as it forms part of the greener section on the
Girivalam path and they act like a reservoir and store water that drains down from the mountains and
provides life to the ecology.

"These are naturally formed forests and each tree has its own intricate ecosystem. There are both
migratory and indigenous birds that depend on these trees. All our medical needs are met by the forest we
live in. Officials do not understand the importance of this ecosystem and are blinding cutting down trees,"
said writer Kumar Ambayeran.

ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH:
Bringing the alternate planning solutions for widening the Girivalam path with site considerations which
includes locations for providing annadhanam with adequate infrastructure facilities such as drinking water,
seating, lighting, restrooms and safety for pilgrims.

Alternate site and deign proposal for Yatri nivas which would comprise rooms for devotees, dormitory,
hotel, rooms for drivers and laundry with Basic amenities such as drinking water facility and toilets would
be provided, and a mini sewage treatment plant.
Submitted by:
S. VARALAKSHMI,
2012701044.