This story is from July 17, 2016

Thaniparai will be authorised entry for Sathuragiri temple

Thaniparai will be authorised entry for Sathuragiri temple
(Representative Image)
Madurai: As the Tamil month of Aadi commenced and pilgrims anticipating a grand festival at the Sundaramahalingam temple Sathuragiri hill top in Western Ghats, the forest department has announced that Thaniparai in Virudhunagar district will be the authorised entry point to the temple.
Discouraging pilgrims from taking any other path - trails leading inside forest area to temple - forest officials warned action against those illegally trespassing inside the forest as it is an offence as per Acts related to forests and wildlife.

Aadi ammavasai festival is one of the important festivals at the hill temple. At present, pilgrims are allowed only during three days on full moon, new moon and 'prathosam' days during a month. During Aadi Ammavasai hundreds of people trek to the hilltop temple for the festival. It was observed that forest areas were heavily littered and wildlife disturbed during this occasion due to the entry of pilgrims en masse. Hence, forest officials have decided to bring in some order.
Conservator of forests, Madurai Circle, Nihar Ranjan announced that right path temple will be from Thaniparai and it has been developed for the benefit of pilgrims. There will be protection staff and volunteers along this route to help the pilgrims. "We request pilgrims to avoid any illegal approach path for their own safety especially in view of the presence of elephants, tigers and other wild animals. Such unauthorised illegal entry will do lot of damage to already shrinking wildlife habitat," he said.
Meanwhile, a group of pilgrims who assembled at Thaniparai on Saturday staged a protest in front of the gate after they were denied entry. They had come to visit the temple since it was Aadi first day but forest officials strictly told them that they are allowed only on the three days.
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