The temple dedicated to Sri Subramanya at Viralimalai sports a good look now thanks to the beautification cum maintenance project taken up by the Tourism Department at an estimate of Rs. 53 lakh. The fund was spent for providing basic amenities to devotees visiting the temple located in the hillock on the Tiruchi - Madurai national highway.
Till recent years, the temple did not have any cottage or ‘yatri nivas.’ The Tourism Department’s sanction would cater to their needs, according to official sources.
The ‘sevarthi mandapam’ had been constructed on a piece of land measuring 1,500 square feet belonging to the temple.
The ‘mandapam’ had come up after demolition of a dilapidated building. The ‘mandpam’ has an open hall with basic amenities and the work had been executed at an estimate of Rs.19.50 lakh.
The other facilities include a toilet block, constructed at a cost of Rs.8 lakh, car parking unit (Rs.9.50 lakh), renovation of the tank, about one km away from the temple on the Tiruchi – Madurai National Highway (Rs.10.50 lakh) and the ‘sunaikulam,’ a percolation pond, amidst rock bed in front of the temple (Rs.5.50 lakh).
Official said the temple tank, known as ‘theertha theppam,’ where the float festival is held, has a massive area. All its steps were in a dilapidated condition and repair works would be carried out on the steps leading to the tank. Absence of parking facility for vehicles is another problem for the devotees visiting the temple from different parts of the state.
Although the infrastructure had been created by the Tourism department, it is yet to be utilised in the wake of the model code of conduct.
Sources said that the ‘yatri nivas’ and other guest house would be utilised after the model code of conduct was lifted.
The ‘teppakulam’ is preserved well so that the water is potable. Local residents have been using it for consumption.
