Devotee waiting hall opens at Arunachaleswarar temple

A new temporary devotee waiting hall constructed at a cost of ₹3.37 crore was inaugurated today at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai.
The facility was opened by Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister E.V. Velu and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu. Stretching from the northwest corner of the Bay Tower to the Ammani Amman Tower on North Othavadai Street, the waiting hall is divided into eight sections, named after the directional deities: Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Nirudhilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberalingam, and Isanyalingam. The structure has been built with improved amenities to manage large crowds, particularly during festival days. The inauguration event saw the presence of Deputy Speaker K. Pichandi, Additional Chief Secretary Manivasan, Tiruvannamalai District Collector K. Dharbagaraj, HR&CE Commissioner P.N. Sridhar, Corporation Mayor Nirmala Velmaran, and other senior officials.
In line with the directions of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the HR&CE Department has been undertaking continuous renovation, reconstruction, and improvement of basic facilities for devotees across temples in the state. The new waiting hall has been created to ease congestion and enhance comfort for the lakhs of devotees who visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Speaking to reporters, Minister E.V. Velu said, “Devotees from across Tamil Nadu and other states visit Tiruvannamalai.
To streamline entry and reduce difficulties, this new waiting hall has been set up as per the Chief Minister’s instructions. Seating has been arranged for the elderly, and colour televisions installed to allow devotees to view live pujas and temple ceremonies.” Joint Commissioner Paranitharan and several departmental officials also participated in the
event.