Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**The Hindu: Road to Parvathamalai Temple Under Consideration Following Tragedy**

**TIRUVANNAMALAI, September 5, 2025** – Following a tragic incident last month where two women devotees were swept away in a flash flood while descending from the Parvathamalai hillock temple, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has initiated a feasibility study to construct a bitumen road to the Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (Lord Shiva) temple. The temple, located approximately 35 kilometers north of Tiruvannamalai, sits atop the 3500 ft. Parvathamalai hill.

The study, costing ₹8.63 lakh, aims to determine the safest and shortest route to the temple with the least steep gradient. According to S. Shanmugasundaram, Assistant Commissioner, HR&CE (Tiruvannamalai), the initiative is primarily focused on ensuring the safety of pilgrims.

Currently, access to the temple is limited to a mud pathway dating back to the 1920s. This pathway also serves as the sole means of connectivity for the 30+ tribal hamlets located on the hill, connecting them to towns in the plains. Residents have expressed relief at the prospect of a proper road. “Sick and injured devotees and tribals were carried down from the hillock by abled men. A proper bitumen road will end our ordeal,” said G. Maragatham, a resident.

Tiruvannamalai Collector K. Tharpagaraj has ordered the study and HR&CE is also exploring the feasibility of laying water pipelines and power cables along the route. The water pipelines would facilitate the installation of more drinking water taps and washrooms, while the power cables would provide better lighting on the trekking route, supply electricity to the tribal hamlets, and improve safety from wild animals. The Forest Department is collaborating on the project to allocate the necessary three meters of forest land required for the road, designed to accommodate two-wheelers, cars, tractors, and ambulances. The study is expected to be completed within two months. Currently, HR&CE maintains approximately 1,500 temples in the district.

Read More