CONTENTS Abstract ii Acknowledgements iv Contents vi List of tables x List of figures xii List of abbreviations xiv 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Pilgrimage 1 1.2 Introduction to Site : Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu 2 1.3 Need for study 3 1.4 Aim 4 1.5 Objective 4 1.6 Methodology 4 2 Literature Review 6 2.1 Case study : Kii Mountains , Japan : Environmental conservation 6 2.1.1 Aim 6 2.1.2 Introduction 6 2.1.3 Mythology 6 2.1.4 Pressures on site 7 2.1.5 Impacts 7 2.1.6 Initiatives 8 2.2 Case study : Govardhan Hill, Braj, India: Reclamation of kunds 9 2.2.1 Aim 9 2.2.2 Introduction 9 2.2.3 Mythology 9 2.2.4 Issue and current state of the kunds 11 2.2.5 Initiatives 11 2.3 Synthesis 13 3 Factors governing Pilgrin experience in Sacred Landscapes 15 3.1 Identity 15 3.2 Mythology 16 3.3 Culture 16 4 Study Of the Region 18 4.1 Location: 18 4.2 Regional Setting 18 4.3 Climate 19 Figure 19: Climate graph tiruvannamalai 19 4.4 Religious Signigicance: 20 4.4.1 Mythology: 20 4.4.2 Festivals and rituals: 21 4.4.3 Girivalam/ Pradakshina/ parikrama/ Circumambulation: 22 4.5 Pilgrim Influx 23 4.6 History and evolution of the town 24 4.7 Landuse and landcover 25 4.8 Natural layers 27 4.8.1 Geology 27 4.8.2 Hydrology 27 4.8.3 Soil 27 4.8.4 Forest 27 5 Landscape character of the region described in Ancient Literature 28 6 Analysing layers of sacred landscape in the Region 30 6.1 Temple and shrines 30 6.1.1 Significance: 30 6.1.2 Analysis: 31 6.1.3 Issues: 31 6.2 Girivalam pathway 32 6.2.1 Analysis: 32 6.2.2 Issues: 34 6.3 Tanks amd springs 35 6.3.1 Significance: 35 6.3.2 Analysis: 36 6.3.3 Issues: 36 6.4 Pause points 38 6.4.1.1 Ashrams 39 6.4.1.2 Mandapams/ Pavilions 39 6.4.1.3 Parks and Gardens: 40 6.4.1.4 Annadhanam 40 6.4.1.5 View points 40 6.4.2 Analysis: 41 6.4.3 Issues: 42 7 Area of Detail Study 43 8 Proposals 48 8.1.1 Crowd management: 48 8.1.2 Enhancing pilgrim experience at Girivalam path : 48 8.1.3 Guidelines for the region: 48 References 51 Bibliography 51 Appendices 52 A1. Terminologies 52