Another pilgrim, Selvamuthu, shared his emotional journey, stating he undertook the rigorous penance seeking divine intervention to overcome severe debt and family struggles.
Narendra Kumar, a private sector employee from Vellore, noted the profound impact of the coastal shrine on his life. “The spiritual experiences here over the last three years have completely transformed my personal life. Despite my failing health, I had to come to witness this,” he told PTI Videos.
The massive turnout at Tiruchendur also highlighted recent infrastructure upgrades. Pattapazhani, president of the Koyambedu Traders Association, praised the transformation.
“We must thank HCL founder Shiv Nadar, who contributed Rs 200 crore to upgrade the temple facilities. It has vastly reduced the hardship of devotees and brought us immense joy,” he told PTI Videos, though he added that the administration must expand restroom facilities to cater to the ever-growing footfall.
To manage the lakhs of visitors, police personnel maintained high vigil, utilising continuous public address systems to reunite missing children with their families and warn the public to safeguard their valuables.
Meanwhile, in Dindigul district, the Thiru Avinankudi Murugan Temple at the foothills of Palani witnessed fervent celebrations. Thousands of devotees observed the traditional ‘Thandu Viratham’ with deep devotion, a unique and arduous penance undertaken during the Soorasamharam day.
