Ettukkudi Murugan Temple lacks basic facilities

Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Ettukkudi Panchayat in Thirukkuvalai Taluk. |Picture source: Special arrangement

Under the rule of the Ministry of Donations of Hindu religion and Charity (HR&CE), the historic Ettukkudi Murugan Temple, under Thirukkuvalai Taluk, is still facing infrastructure gaps during the major festivals despite attracting hundreds of devotees and thousands of devotees every day.

Located in Ettukkudi Panchayat, Subramaniya Swamy Temple is known for its Chola-era architecture, with its connection to Saint Arunagirinathar Thiruppugazh Hymns and Samadhi by Siddhar Vanmeeka. It attracted a large crowd during Kanda Shashti, the monthly Sashti, Karthigai and Chithira Pournami Festival.

However, basic amenities for visitors remain severely lacking. “There is only one toilet, far from the temple, has been locked for a long time and cannot be used. It has no purpose and it is common to open defecation,” said T. Selvam, a member of the CPI state committee and former Panchayat United Alliance Councillor. He noted that there is no proper solid waste management system.

Mr Selvam urged the government to prioritize major infrastructure improvements, including functional public toilets, dedicated parking spaces, high mast lighting on all four sides of the main gopuram, and road upgrades. He called for an expansion of access roads and an expansion of bus racks, which worked to manage the influx of vehicles during peak hours. Although the temple’s religious visibility remains high, the area still lacks proper public transport terminals and faces poor mobile network coverage, especially within temple houses.

Devote R. Ravi said the temple pond was encroached on public transport shelters and urged its restoration to be restored along with the walking road and green spaces. He marked the lack of designated parking areas, which caused traffic jams during the festival.

HR&CE officials said funding has not been approved for Ettukkudi Temple infrastructure, but recommendations have been submitted that work can be started once approved and funded.