After death of devotee, entry to Tiruvannamalai’s Idukku Pillayar Temple restricted for obese, elderly, and ailing persons
The action comes after 36-year-old S. Manikumar from Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh died of a cardiac arrest while trying to exit a narrow passage after offering worship at the temple on July 25
The Tiruvannamalai's Idukku Pillayar Temple has recently restricted entry to devotees who are obese, elderly, or unwell following the tragic death of a 36-year-old devotee in July. This decision was made by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department after the incident in which Manikumar from Andhra Pradesh suffered a cardiac arrest while attempting to exit a narrow passage during worship.
The century-old temple, situated on a 14-km Girivalam path, features a passage only about one foot wide, making it challenging for those with mobility issues or larger body sizes. To prevent similar accidents, the HR&CE Department has installed steel beams at the temple entrance, allowing only those able to pass through the gaps to enter.
Security personnel have been deployed for added safety. The temple's operating hours have also been reduced to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including Sundays, though round-the-clock worship is permitted on Pournami days. To assist devotees, the temple has provided emergency helpline numbers: 9047937733, 9445086172, 9498100439, and 843811175.
This decision follows at least two other similar incidents in the region over the past year, underscoring the need for increased safety measures in such sacred sites.
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