Ettukkudi Murugan Temple lacks basic amenities

The Subramaniya Swamy temple in Ettukkudi panchayat in Thirukkuvalai taluk in Nagapattinam.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The historic Ettukkudi Murugan Temple in Thirukkuvalai taluk, under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, continues to face infrastructure gaps despite attracting hundreds of devotees daily and tens of thousands during major festivals.

Situated in Ettukkudi panchayat, the Subramaniya Swamy Temple is known for its Chola-era architecture, association with saint Arunagirinathar’s Thiruppugazh hymns, and the samadhi of siddhar Vanmeeka. It draws large crowds during Kanda Shashti, monthly Sashti, Karthigai, and the Chithira Pournami festival.

However, basic amenities for visitors remain severely lacking. “There is only one toilet, located far from the temple, and it has remained locked and unusable for a long time. It serves no purpose, and open defecation is common,” said T. Selvam, CPI State committee member and former panchayat union councillor. He noted the absence of a proper solid waste management system.

Mr. Selvam urged the government to prioritise key infrastructure improvements, including functional public toilets, dedicated parking spaces, high-mast lighting around all four sides of the main gopuram, and road upgrades. He called for widening access roads and expanding the bus stand, which struggles to manage the influx of vehicles during peak times. Despite the temple’s religious prominence, the area still lacks a proper public transport terminal and faces poor mobile network coverage, particularly within the temple premises.

R. Ravi, a devotee, said the temple pond had been encroached by the bus shelter and urged its restoration along with walking paths and green spaces. He flagged lack of a designated parking area, which caused traffic congestion during festivals.

An HR&CE official said funds had not been sanctioned yet for Ettukkudi Temple infrastructure, but proposals had been submitted and work will begin once approved and funded.