DINDIGUL: The rope car facility at the Palani Murugan temple opened to the public following pujas from Wednesday onwards after being closed for maintenance for more than a month. Officials said that works are also on for a possible new line of rope car service at the temple.
One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Palani in Dindigul district, sees hundreds of devotees visiting every day not only from Tamil Nadu but also from other states and even countries. Devotees usually reach the hill temple by rope car, winch train, or through steps. Annual maintenance work of the temple’s rope car facility commenced from Oct 7 this year with devotees having to opt for alternatives during the period since then.
On Wednesday, after special pujas were performed, the rope car facility was once again opened for public use after 43 days. Temple officials noted that around Rs 6 lakhs was spent on replacing cable rope, shafts etc., and carrying out maintenance. Devotees were seen eagerly queuing up to avail the facility on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner Marimuthu told reporters that they are also looking at introducing a second rope car service. “Preliminary work is underway to carry out a study on the feasibility of a second rope service that works on advanced technology such as the funicular winch that is in Maharashtra and whether it can be implemented in the temple. If the study is successful, such a service will be able to benefit even more devotees,” he added.