Sri Ongaranantha, pontiff of Ongara Ashram, Puducherry, insisted that trees along the girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai should not be cut.
He issued a release here on Wednesday.
“The trees absorb the heat that prevails in the district. They act as a deterrent against certain diseases that spread in humid conditions. ,” he said. He referred to the belief that trees communicate to saints.
‘It’s a temple’
“Great saints like Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Seshadhri Swamigal attained enlightenment here. Nallathur Sivaprakasa Swamigal authored verses of Sonasaila Malai while circumambulating this path. The hill represents Lord Siva and hence the girivalam path is like temple. The removal of trees would damage its holiness,” Ongaranantha said.
