Proper amenities are not in place in Tiruvannamalai although the Kumbhabishekam for Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple is scheduled for February 6, said S.L. Pasarai Babu, MDMK student wing State deputy organiser.
Mr. Babu, an advocate by profession and resident of Tiruvannamalai, has written to the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments about this. In his letter, he said toilets and bathrooms had remained closed for several days. Pilgrims of Melmaruvathur and Sabarimala had to depend on private toilet and bathroom complexes. Temple administration had not made arrangements for the stay of devotees during Kumbhabishekam. Consultative meetings had not been held to get the views of people from different sections of the town.
Despite netting Rs. 1 crore in hundi every month, the department had not been showing interest in making good arrangements for devotees, Mr. Babu said.
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He urged the Commissioner to ensure that adequate number of mobile toilets were in place. He said the newly built Sadhukkal Madam should be opened for devotees. He demanded that steps should be taken to operate special trains to Tiruvannamalai during Kumbabishekam from southern districts and Chennai.