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 Story in Brief
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. Methodology and corrections.
Ashin Xavier: interesting
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