Heritage Criteries

Executive Summary – Sacred Earth, Sacred Arunachala

Opening Quote:

“When we protect Arunachala, we protect not just a hill — but a living flame of Earth, Spirit, and Humanity.”

Vision:
To make Thiruvannamalai the world’s first Sacred Eco-Spiritual Heritage Hub where devotion, ecology, and sustainable development walk hand in hand around Arunachala.

Mission:

• Restore and protect Arunachala Hill’s ecology & sacred heritage.

• Develop sustainable pilgrimage pathways and plastic-free zones.

• Empower local communities through eco-livelihoods and education.

• Align with UN Sustainable Development Goals for global recognition.

Key Challenges:

• Chaos and encroachment on Girivalam pathways.

• Plastic and food waste mismanagement.

• Degradation of Arunachala hill ecology.

Core Solutions:

• Eco-designed Girivalam corridor with pilgrim amenities.

• Plastic-free, zero-waste Thiruvannamalai initiative.

• Sacred forest revival and community-run nurseries.

Global Appeal:
Aligned with UN SDGs (11, 13, 15, 17) for sustainable cities, climate action, life on land, and partnerships.

Call to Action:
Support the Arunachala Sacred Earth Trust in transforming Thiruvannamalai into a living model of sacred ecology for the world.