TRICHY, July 18, 2013: History and faith run deep at the Jambukeshwar and Akilandeswari temple in Tiruvanaikoil. But the authorities who are expected to safeguard both have left the temple complex at the mercy of beggars and time. A sacred site for believers, the temple complex is run down, with garbage and leftover food littered all over the place.

Tiruvanaikoil is one of sites where Siva is worshipped in the elemental form as water; He is earth at Kancheepuram, fire in Tiruvannamalai, atmosphere in Chidambaram and air in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. Considered the fifth biggest temple in terms of area in Tamil Nadu after Srirangam, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai and Ekambaranathar temple in Kancheepuram, the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola a thousand years ago. Due to its size, devotees have to walk a long way to reach the sanctum sanctorum. A battery car sanctioned for the purpose is rarely used though it would be a help for the many old people who visit the temple and are forced to walk the distance, said a local devotee, who didn't want to be named.

But what worries devotees the most is the beggar menace. "They stopped us even when we were entering the temple and asked for money," said R Senthil, a devotee from Ponmalai. He added that they are seen even inside the temple and they litter the place and use a corner of temple to ease themselves. Senthil alleges that beggars enter the temple after bribing the temple watchman.

P Dhanapal, commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, told TOI that he will instruct temple authorities to drive away beggars and see that they don't come anywhere near the temple. He has promised to look into the non-operation of the battery car.

Many devotees TOI spoke to want the government to put up tents as in Srirangam for people to stand in queue while awaiting darshan. Some old timers in the temple town want a trustee to be appointed as it has been done in other temples like Madurai, Srirangam and Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai. "If an industrialist becomes the chief trustee, he will be in a position to approach the government for getting funds sanctioned for temple maintenance, gopurams and the walls, which are in bad shape," said a senior citizen.

Though the footfalls and income for the temple has increased over the years, the authorities must take steps to collect rent from the many people who have not paid in years, said another resident.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 18, 2013.