Devotees celebrate Vaikasi Visakam at Thiruparankundram

Madurai: Thousands of devotees gathered from early morning at the Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy temple on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam, carrying milk pots and kavadis, on Saturday.

The temple saw an influx of devotees from the early morning. Lord Murugan, along with Valli and Deivanai, was brought to the Kambathadi mandapam, where abhishekam was performed with the milk brought by devotees from morning till evening.

Devotees fulfilled their vows by carrying milk kavadi, rosewater kavadi, tender coconut kavadi, flower kavadi, and by piercing their bodies. Devotees from across the district and various other regions visited the temple.

This year, due to the intense heat, the temple administration laid coir mats throughout the temple premises. Separate queues were organised for devotees bringing milk pots and for those coming for darshan. Madurai corporation set up water showers at various locations for devotees, along with drinking water and medical facilities. Mobile toilet facilities were provided in the temple area and on the circumambulation path.

Officials reported that more than 120 people received treatment for various issues at the medical camp, and two devotees requiring emergency care were sent to the govt hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran said the govt failed to provide adequate arrangements in advance for the devotees at the temple, which led to several devotees fainting. “The TVK govt, which is constantly promoting itself by posting reels, failed to provide basic facilities for them, despite knowing that lakhs of devotees would gather for the festival,” Dhinakaran said in a tweet. He further urged the HR&CE department to ensure that necessary preparations are made in the future for devotees.

Minister for energy resources and law C T R Nirmal Kumar said, “All basic and security facilities have been put in place for the convenience of devotees.” He said claims that more than 50 people fainting at the temple were incorrect. “Only one person fainted. A few others were reported to have fallen ill due to crowd congestion and fatigue. Upon receiving the information, an inspection was conducted. All departmental officials, including the police, took immediate action, and all facilities were arranged within a short period of time,” he said.