Now Reading: Entry restricted for obese, elderly at Tiruvannamalai temple after death
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Entry restricted for obese, elderly at Tiruvannamalai temple after death
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has restricted entry to the Idukku Pillayar temple in Tiruvannamalai for devotees who are obese, unwell, or elderly. The move follows the death of…
The Story in Brief
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has restricted entry to the Idukku Pillayar temple in Tiruvannamalai for devotees who are obese, unwell, or elderly. The move follows the death of 36-year-old S. Manikumar from Andhra Pradesh, who suffered a cardiac arrest while trying to exit a narrow passage after worship on July 25.
The century-old shrine has a passage only about one foot wide. Steel beams spaced one foot apart have been installed at the entrance; only those who can pass through are allowed inside. Temple timings are now limited to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Pournami days. Helpline numbers have been issued for emergencies.
The Indian Opinion
Critics call the restrictions discriminatory against the elderly and obese, but the narrow passage was a clear safety hazard. The death was the third such cardiac arrest at a Tamil Nadu temple in recent months. Instead of widening the passage or redesigning access, authorities chose a crude filter. The real test will be whether the department audits other ancient shrines with similar bottlenecks before another life is lost.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
