Skandashramam Overview
Skandashramam is a beautiful hillside hermitage situated above Virupaksha Cave on Mount Arunachala. Sri Ramana Maharshi resided here from 1916 to 1922 alongside his mother, Alagammal. Featuring a perennial fresh spring, coconut palms, and shade under mango trees, it is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
A Haven Built with Devotion
Constructed by Ramana’s ardent devotee Kandaswami, who painstakingly cleared the rock face, the ashram features stone-built verandas and a small meditation cell. Here, mother Alagammal cooked for devotees and attained spiritual liberation under Ramana’s direct grace in 1922.
Trekking Directions & Tips
The paved path from Ramanasramam provides steady stepping stones with protective railings on steeper turns. Take your time, carry a water bottle, and wear a hat during sunny hours. The terrace in front of Skandashramam offers one of the finest vantage points to photograph the Arunachaleswarar Temple complex below.
For trail maps and guidelines on respectful mountain trekking, explore our ultimate Tiruvannamalai travel guide.
