Around 35 to 40 thousand devotees undertake Chitra poornima Girivalam - circumambulating around the hill. A sick man was circumambulating the pillar, kissing and hugging it at each pass. Devotees undertake Girivalam - circumambulating around the hill on Poornima - full moon days. The rites of both pilgrimages include circumambulating the Kaaba within the mosque. Reciting Lalita Sahasranama while approaching and circumambulating the temple is considered auspicious. During the service, the entire congregation followed the Patriarch in circumambulating the church. Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Erumbeeswarar by circumambulating the hill barefoot. Some stay for hours or days praying at the mosque and circumambulating her tomb.