Poor upkeep of Veerappur temple draws flak from devotees

Poor upkeep of Ponnar-Shankar Temple, also known as Periakkandiamman Temple, at Veerappur on the outskirts of Mannapparai, has drawn flak among the devotees.

The temple has a strong following from western districts, mainly Coimbatore, Karur, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, and Dindigul. Periakkandiamman is the “kula deivam” (family deity) for many in Tiruchi, Madurai, and Pudukottai districts as well.

The temple, associated with the history of Ponnar and Shankar, warrior brothers who lived between 990 and 1020 CE, attracts thousands of devotees in March, April, July, and other auspicious days and holidays.

While Goddess Periakkandiamman, presiding deity of the temple, blesses the devotees from inside a concrete building, several other deities in standing postures do not have concrete structures. The temple authorities have begun renovation work ahead of the maha kumbhabhishekam. It is said that a few donors have come forward to take care of all civil works. Construction of Raja Gopuram at the entrance of Periakkandiamman temple is among the proposed works.

However, devotees and local residents say that there is no plan to improve basic facilities such as sanitation, drinking water facilities, tonsure mandapam, and lighting arrangements.

“The number of devotees visiting the temple keeps on increasing rapidly. Absence of basic facilities trouble the devotees. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive plan to create all basic infrastructure. They should be created along with the ongoing renovation work,” said K. Manoharan, a devotee from Karur.

Pointing out the encroachment and occupation of public space by local traders at the Mahamnu sannathi, he said that the temple had sufficient land. Permanent shops should be constructed and the encroachment cleared.

Another devotee said the premises looked dirty with garbage strewn everywhere. Moreover, the devotees were being subjected to indiscriminate fleecing by a section of priests and unauthorised persons, who claim to be priests. There were about 50 priests at any given time. Devotees were being fleeced in at least 10 locations, the devotees said.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment, which has supervisory power of the temple, should carry a detailed study over the poor maintenance system of the temple so as to streamline the functioning, they demanded.