In the absence of a good road, the devotees of Rettamalai Temple suffer

21 years ago, when the DMK organized a meeting, a mud road leading to the Ondikaruppu Temple in Rettamalai was paved from Pirattiyur. |Picture source: File Photo

Devotees of Ondikaruppu Temple in Rettamalai, near Edamalaipattipur, continue to face ordeal without proper roads.

Many people living in Tiruchi, Pudukottai, and some other parts of the state think ondikaruppu is theirs Kula Deivam (Family God). The temple attracts over 2,000 devotees every day. Most devotees, they visit the temple to offer special pujas, travel by car, van and two-wheeler.

Although the temple can be accessed from Edamalaipattipudur and Pirattiyur, it only has a mud path. The mud roads formed from Pirattiyur were to promote the DMK cadres, attending a meeting on a large tract of land about 21 years ago. After that, Tiruchi Corporation strengthened the muddy roads to facilitate the arrival of the Rettamalai Temple.

Since then, devotees and residents of Ramji Nagar, Pirattiyur and Karumandapam on Tiruchi-Dindigul Road use the road from Pirattiyur to the temple. Devotees from Edamalaipattipudur, Crawford, Lic Colony, KK Nagar and the airport use the method of Edamalaipattipudur to reach the temple. Many people from Pirattiyur and neighboring areas join Madurai Road in Edamalai Paattipudur using Rettamalai Temple Roads. Residents of Crawford, Edamalaipattipudur, KK Nagar and neighboring residential areas take the adjacent highway from Edamalaipattipudur to Tiruchi-Dindigul Road.

However, deep pit openings and uneven surfaces greet the motorists. Although Tiruchi Corporation officials promised to convert muddy roads into “asphalt” roads, it was still a mud path, thus providing tough times for motorists.

“The new road to Rettamalai Temple remains the candidate’s election commitment. However, we continue to travel on the muddy road to visit the temple. Steps must be taken immediately to upgrade the road.

A senior official from the company told Hindu Citizens’ InstitutionsA plan has been made. The company will execute the project soon.