Skandashramam

Skandashramam on the sacred upper slopes of Mount Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai (celebrated globally as the elevated mountain hermitage constructed with loving devotion by devotee Kandaswami out of raw granite boulders, where Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi lived with his mother Azhagammal from 1916 to 1922 before descending to the base to establish Sri Ramanasramam), situated high on the eastern ridge of Holy Mount Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most spiritually charged, panoramically grand, and deeply sacred mountain sanctuaries on earth.

Perched gracefully among coconut palms, champak trees, and natural granite terraces with a perennial mountain spring trickling into a stone cistern, this elevated ashram was painstakingly carved and leveled by Kandaswami (who cleared dense forest and massive boulders with his bare hands), transforming a wild mountain slope into a lush spiritual haven where Mother Azhagammal attained liberation in Bhagavan's arms in May 1922.

It's the home of the sacred stone meditation room where Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi slept and sat in deep silence, the adjacent room where Mother Azhagammal lived and prepared simple meals for devotees, the shaded outer stone veranda offering impressive bird's eye views of the massive 11 storey towers of Arunachaleswarar Temple and the sprawling holy city, the natural perennial spring that supplies sweet, icy cold mineral water year round, the scenic mountain path connecting directly downwards to Virupaksha Cave and Sri Ramanasramam, and an intensely palpable atmosphere of pure silence, devotional grace, and spiritual elevation that instantly quietens the mind.

It represents a rich Advaita Vedanta lineage, Mother's spiritual liberation (Mukti) history, and Arunachala high altitude hermitage sanctuary where Ramana's presence, Kandaswami's selfless labor, mountain springs, and vast valley panoramas unite in high Tiruvannamalai.

Located on the eastern slope of Mount Arunachala above Virupaksha Cave, it sits just 3 km uphill from Sri Ramanasramam, 2 km from the Western Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple, 4 km from Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM), 170 km from Chennai International Airport (MAA), and 200 km from Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), accessible via a scenic 30 minute stone step hill trail.

Ramana Maharshi at Skandashramam (1916, 1922)

Moving up from Virupaksha Cave in 1916, Bhagavan spent six joyous and spiritually rich years at Skandashramam surrounded by close disciples and devotees.

It was during this period that his mother began cooking for the ashram community, establishing the tradition of communal meals and hospitality that continues at Sri Ramanasramam today.

Truth is, sitting on the stone veranda while cool mountain breezes blow across the valley fills your heart with profound peace.

Mother Azhagammal's Mahasamadhi (May 19, 1922)

Mother's Liberation: On May 19, 1922, Bhagavan sat with his right hand on his mother's chest and left hand on her head for hours, guiding her soul to final spiritual liberation.

Descent to Base: Her body was brought down the hill and interred at the southern base of Arunachala, which grew into the present day Sri Ramanasramam.

Perennial Mountain Spring & Temple Panoramic Views

Sweet Mountain Water: A natural cold water spring discovered by Kandaswami flows into a stone basin, providing pure refreshing water to all hikers and sadhus.

Panoramic Horizon: The cliff platform provides the finest vantage point in Tiruvannamalai to view the entire layout of Arunachaleswarar Temple and the eastern horizon.

After meditating at Skandashramam, follow the stone trail downhill to Virupaksha Cave, visit Sri Ramanasramam, or take part in the 14 km Girivalam circumambulation around Mount Arunachala.