The Hindu : Front Page : Now, Viralimalai all set to become a heritage centre

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 04, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Now, Viralimalai all set to become a heritage centre

M. Balaganessin

TIRUCHI: The State Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj has notified Viralimalai as a heritage town. Located on the Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway, the temple dedicated to Sri Shanmuganathar located atop the Virali Hills at this small town is closely associated with the life of saint-poet Sri Arunagirinathar.

It was at this temple, built during the Vijayanagar Empire, that Arunagirinathar was blessed with ‘Ashtamasiddhi’ and evidences testify to the fact that a number of ‘Siddhars’ had lived in the caves of this hill which also houses a peacock sanctuary.

The notification comes in the wake of a resolution adopted by the Viralimalai village panchayat in January 2006 and a recommendation made by the district administration. The district latter also sought special funds for providing basic amenities around the temple.

Consequent to the notification, the peripheral area of the temple is qualified for a special sanction of Rs.50 lakh from out of the Town and Country Planning Development Fund for providing basic amenities, with focus on drainage facility.

The proposal sought Rs.26 lakh for providing drainage facility on all car streets around the temple, and Rs. 3.24 lakh for Kamarajar Nagar near the temple. All the car streets will get concrete pavements at an expenditure of Rs.14.40 lakh.

A multi-purpose community hall at an expenditure of Rs.4.10 lakh and two blocks of public toilets at a cost of Rs.5.40 lakh will also be constructed.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page