Viralimalai Murugan temple: Over 20 idols damaged again, AIADMK MLA demands action | VIDEO

Dr Vijayabhaskar, the former Health and Family Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, expressed his shock and disappointment regarding the incident on his social media platform (X). He stated, I was heartbroken to see the newly erected Swami idols on the hillside of Viralimalai Murugan Temple destroyed.

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Pragati Singh
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Screengrab of video (X/MeghUpdates)

New Delhi: The idols of Hindu Gods placed along the path of Viralimalai Murugan Temple have once again been found vandalized and broken by miscreants on Monday. This disturbing trend raises serious concerns about the protection of sacred sites in the region. In 2021, local residents discovered shattered idols of Lord Murugan and other deities along the path leading to the Viralimalai Murugan Temple in Pudukottai district. Dr. C. Vijayabhaskar, the AIADMK MLA for Viralimalai, shared images of the damaged idols on social media, prompting an immediate complaint to the local police to identify those responsible for the vandalism.

Ex-minister condemns temple vandalism

Dr Vijayabhaskar, the former Health and Family Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, expressed his shock and disappointment regarding the incident on his social media platform (X). He stated, “I was heartbroken to see the newly erected Swami idols on the hillside of Viralimalai Murugan Temple destroyed. I strongly condemn this act. A complaint has been lodged with the police, urging strict action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

Take a look at the video: 

Dr C Vijayabaskar post on X platform

Ongoing concerns

Three years later, the situation remains unresolved. Dr Vijayabhaskar revisited the issue, voicing his concerns on social media once again. He wrote, “The sight of Swamy idols being broken on the mountain path of our proud Arulmiku Subramaniaswamy temple is heartbreaking. Strict action should be taken against those involved in this despicable act which is highly condemnable. For the convenience of devotees who come from all over Tamil Nadu to visit Viralimalai Murugan, a wide footpath with statues of the glorious Swami was constructed during the AIADMK's tenure to ease the worries of devotees who find it difficult to climb the hill.”

Dr Vijayabhaskar noted that similar incidents have occurred three times over the past three years, making devotees apprehensive about their visits. He criticized the Tamil Nadu government for failing to adequately protect the meticulously constructed mountain path. “I urge the police to strengthen security and speed up patrolling around the temple so that such incidents do not happen again,” he emphasized.

Background of the temple path

It’s important to highlight that Dr Vijayabhaskar laid the foundation stone for the road leading to the temple in 2019. He also played a crucial role in constructing the parking lot atop the hill and actively campaigned in the constituency during the 2021 Assembly elections.

Currently, reports indicate that a complaint has been filed, and police are investigating the matter to identify the individuals responsible for the vandalism of the idols.