Devotees of Kottai Sri Mariamman Temple here have urged the temple authorities to create more facilities in the temple before the Aadi festival begins.
The office-bearers and members of the Kottai Sri Peria Mariamman Trust and devotees, in a petition to the District Collector, said that the Kottai Mariamman Temple situated on the banks of River Tirumanithar is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres in the State. This temple was built during the period of Chola Kings. The most popular feature of this temple is the week-long Shevapet Mariamman Temple chariot festival, which is held between July and August.
The festivals in other Mariamman Temples in the district are held only after offering flowers to the Kottai Sri Mariamman Temple.
The petition said that setting up of a agni kundam for making offerings was a long pending demand of the devotees.
A large number of devotees observed a fast in the city last year to press the demand. The officials have been remaining tight-lipped throughout.
The floor of the outer mandapam is totally damaged, due to which the devotees could not perform anga pradakshnanam.
They demanded that the district administration direct the temple authorities to re-lay the floor immediately. The devotees themselves will bear the expenses involved in re-laying the floor, they said.
The golden chariot of the temple has not been pulled during the Aadi festival for the last couple of years. The golden cover has been covered by metal sheets.
A large number of devotees visiting the temple to worship the golden chariot are disappointed.
The kavasam and idols worth several lakhs of rupees offered by devotees have not been installed at the sanctum sanctorum, they said.
