Many key preparatory works for Meenakshi temple consecration yet to begin, say residents

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A view of West Chithirai Street - North Chithirai Street junction near Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: R. ASHOK

Preparations surrounding the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple appear to be lagging behind schedule ahead of the consecration on September 17.

Although Minister for Energy and Law R. Nirmalkumar assured reporters during a recent press conference that all works would wrap up by September 11 in time for a trial run, residents and visitors remained concerned that many key preparatory tasks have yet to begin.

Shopkeepers and residents surrounding the temple voiced major concerns regarding inadequate parking arrangements.

While temple authorities have planned to issue token passes to visitors, they are yet to clarify capacity limits or whether passes will be mandatory for entry into the immediate temple precinct.

Uncertainty also looms over where spectators watching the ceremony from outside the temple can park their vehicles.

“If the public park their vehicles on the roadside or near commercial establishments, would it not disrupt the flow of traffic?” questioned a local eatery owner.

While Ward 12 Councilor S. Baskaran believes existing lots at the temple and the Periyar shopping complex are enough for visitors, locals disagree and worry that these spaces will be completely overwhelmed by the large crowds.

He also assured that all preparatory infrastructure, including drinking water stations, mobile toilets, devotee shelters, and LED screens, would be fully set up ahead of schedule.

“To combat the intense heat, we have begun laying pipeline connections to tanks that would be placed around the temple’s perimeter, ensuring a round-the-clock water supply on the day of the event,” he added.

The public were also apprehensive about the lack of clarity regarding crowd management and safety protocols, fearing that the massive influx of devotees could lead to severe congestion and security challenges around the temple complex.

Addressing public concerns, a traffic police official explained that vehicles will be diverted at designated checkpoints along all major entry routes surrounding the temple.

“Since only a limited number of VIP cars will be permitted inside the inner cordon, the overall management of vehicles will be easily streamlined,” the official clarified.