Forest Fire at Chathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam Temple Finally Under Control after 20 Hours
Srivilliputhur – A forest fire that broke out in the Chathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple in the Meghamalai Tiger Reserve forest has finally been brought under control after more than 20 hours of intense struggle. The fire began yesterday evening, forcing over 15 thousand devotees who were staying on the hill to come down safely.
The Chathuragiri Sundaramakalingam temple is a popular pilgrimage spot located within the forest reserve. The forest department had granted permission for devotees to have darshan of Swamy from the 15th to 18th of July for Amavasi and Pradosha worship in the month of Adi. Yesterday, a large gathering of devotees climbed the mountain to have darshan of Swami in honor of the new moon of the month of Adi. After the darshan, devotees began descending the hill in the late afternoon.
However, at around 6 pm, a sudden forest fire broke out in the Tawasipparai 5th pit area under the Chaptur forest. Due to the dry forest conditions caused by lack of rainfall over the past two months and high wind speed, the fire quickly spread. Concerned for the safety of the devotees, the forest department prevented them from coming down the hill and housed them in temple halls.
More than 30 forest personnel worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading further throughout the night. The forest fire continued to rage in the forest surrounding the Chaturagiri temple.
Reports came in that a forest fire was seen burning in the forest while travelling on the Madurai Kollam National Highway. After extensive efforts to battle the fire, it was finally brought under control by this morning. Following that, devotees were allowed to descend the hill gradually.
Due to the ongoing forest fires, devotees have been prohibited from visiting Chathuragiri today. Disappointed pilgrims who arrived at the foot of Thanipara bowed down at the entrance gate and returned. The forest department is working tirelessly to extinguish the remaining fire in the forest.
As the situation continues to be monitored, it is advised that devotees and visitors stay updated on the latest developments before planning any future visits to the Chathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple.