Woes of pilgrims to Kannagi temple need to be solved

Chennai, Aug 10: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi would devote enough attention to solve the problems faced by the pilgrims in reaching the Kannagi temple in the wake of a ban imposed by Kerala.

Replying to a question posed by N Ramakrishnan (MDMK) in the Assembly, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister K R Periakaruppan said the Kannagi Kottam Mangaladevi temple was situated at a height of 5000 ft in the Tamil Nadu territory at Vannathuparai hill area. Though the temple was in Tamil Nadu, the entry route comes under the Kerala forest area, following which permission had to be sought from Kerala government to reach the temple.

However, for the benefit of devotees to enter the temple without any hassels, special arrangements have been made by the authorities of the two governments on 'Chitra Pournami' day, he added.

Mr Ramakrishnan said after getting special permission people had to travel only through the Kerala government vehicles because of the ban and wanted the government to solve the issue.

Responding to the issues, Mr Periakaruppan said as per the 1893 survey the temple was within Tamil Nadu state limits. Since the Tamil Nadu and Kerala forest areas come under the Periyar Tiger Reserve sanctuary, it was also difficult to restore the footpath or lay a new road. There would be no safety for the devotees.

''It is a steep hilly terrain and women and elderly people find it difficult to climb. Efforts were made in 1976 to lay a road, but it was given up.'' he added.

Intervening, Mr Sivapunniyam (CPI) said since the issue involved two States, it had to be dealt with utmost caution. The Tamil Nadu goverment should take steps to remove the ban and the Chief Minister, if required, should consider laying a footpath to protect the state's rights. Mr Periakaruppan said the Chief Minister, who favours 'cordial and amicable relatons' with neighbouring states, would definitely devote more attention to solve the problem.

UNI