Fatal Cardiac Arrest at Tiruvannamalai Temple Leads to Entry Ban for Obese, Elderly, and Ailing
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has imposed entry restrictions at the Idukku Pillayar temple in Tiruvannamalai after a devotee died of a cardiac arrest while exiting the shrine's narrow passage. The temple, situated on the 14-km Girivalam path near the Arunachaleswara temple, will now prohibit entry to obese individuals, those with health conditions, and senior citizens.
On July 25, 36-year-old S. Manikumar from Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while trying to navigate the one-foot-wide passage after offering worship. The century-old shrine requires devotees to pass through this constricted space to reach the sanctum.
Following the incident, HR&CE officials installed steel beams spaced one foot apart at the temple entrance. Only devotees who can fit through the gaps are now permitted to enter. Security personnel have been deployed to enforce the rules and ensure safety. The temple's worship timings have also been reduced to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except on Pournami days when round-the-clock access remains available.
Emergency helpline numbers have been issued: 9047937733, 9445086172, 9498100439, and 843811175.
This marks the third such incident in the region in recent years. In May 2024, a 47-year-old man from Bengaluru died of a cardiac arrest while climbing steps at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Sholinghur. In April 2024, 14-year-old S. Harish died descending a hilltop temple in Ratnagiri near Arcot.
