Aadi Amavasya Annadanam

Aadi Amavasya (Ashadha Amavasya) at the Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Math in Tiruvannamalai is an immensely sacred day for ancestral rites (Pitru Karya) and Annadaan (offering free food). Performing Annadaan on this day helps appease ancestors, clear Pitru Dosha, and earn spiritual merit.

On this sacred occasion, Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Math organizes special religious ceremonies, devotional programmes, and charitable activities for the benefit of devotees and sadhus. The Math conducts special pujas, abhishekams, Vedic chanting, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva, seeking the welfare, peace, and spiritual upliftment of all devotees.

Thousands of pilgrims visit Tiruvannamalai during Aadi Amavasya to undertake the holy Girivalam (circumambulation of the Arunachala Hill), which is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit and divine blessings. The full Amavasya night is considered especially auspicious for Girivalam, and devotees from various parts of India gather to participate in this sacred practice.

As part of its long-standing tradition of service, Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Math provides annadhanam (free meals), buttermilk, drinking water, and other essential assistance to pilgrims and sadhus undertaking the Girivalam. The Mutt also extends hospitality and spiritual guidance to devotees, encouraging them to engage in prayer, meditation, and righteous living.

Honoring Ancestors: Aadi Amavasya marks the first new moon of the Dakshinayana period, making it ideal for prayers, tarpanam, and feeding sadhus, pilgrims, and the needy.

Merit of Annadaan: Providing wholesome meals inside or near the holy Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Math is considered equivalent to serving God directly and brings peace to departed souls.