200 devotees rescued from Ayyanar Temple after sudden rise in stream water level. The incident occurred on Thursday during Karthigai celebrations when a large number of devotees had gathered at the famous shrine near the forested area. Devotees had crossed the stream with normal water flow during the forenoon to offer darshan at the temple.
At around 3 pm, the water flow in the stream suddenly increased and the water level rose steadily. While 250 of the 450 devotees who had visited the temple returned safely, the remaining 200 got stuck on the other side of the stream, unable to cross back. The stranded group included women and children, raising concerns about their safety as water continued to rise.
Authorities had posted security personnel to oversee the movement of devotees, which swiftly helped in the rescue operation. Home Guard personnel stationed at the spot confirmed that all devotees were brought to the safe zone without any difficulty. The quick response prevented what could have been a serious tragedy during the sacred Karthigai festival.
When devotees travel to remote temples during festivals, adequate safety measures are essential. This incident highlights the need for better monitoring of weather conditions and water flow in streams near pilgrimage sites. Thankfully, swift action ensured no lives were lost. Devotion must be protected with preparedness.
