A trial run of the historic Perur Patteeswarar Temple chariot will be conducted today after PWD raised concerns about its structural stability. Hindu organizations and devotees protested against using a substitute procession, demanding the traditional chariot festival proceed as planned on March 29.
Coimbatore: A trial run of the temple chariot will be conducted today at the Perur Patteeswarar Temple to assess its structural integrity, following concerns raised by the Public Works Department (PWD) about the safety of the ancient chariot.
The annual Panguni Uthiram chariot festival at the Perur Patteeswarar Temple in Coimbatore commenced on March 23, with the traditional chariot procession scheduled for March 29. However, the festival preparations hit an unexpected roadblock when PWD officials inspected the chariot and expressed doubts about its structural stability, refusing to issue a safety certificate.
In response to the PWD's concerns, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials planned to conduct the deity procession using a sapparath (a smaller ceremonial vehicle) instead of the traditional temple chariot. This proposal sparked immediate opposition from Hindu organizations and devotees who insisted that the centuries-old tradition of the chariot procession must be preserved.
Following the protests, PWD officials conducted a reinspection of the chariot. Rectification work was then undertaken to address the deficiencies pointed out by the department. On the previous night, a team led by Construction and Maintenance Executive Engineer Selvaraj from the PWD conducted another thorough inspection. The officials stated they would conduct a final inspection this morning before announcing their decision.
During the inspection, Hindu organization members blocked the PWD official's vehicle and engaged in heated arguments. They demanded, "The chariot procession must definitely take place. A trial run should be conducted tomorrow (today) to determine the chariot's strength. That will reveal whether the chariot is structurally sound."
Following the tense standoff, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials assured everyone that a trial run would be conducted today. Only after receiving this confirmation did the protesters disperse peacefully.
The outcome of today's trial run will determine whether the traditional chariot procession can proceed as scheduled on March 29, preserving the temple's ancient festival tradition that draws thousands of devotees annually.
The annual Panguni Uthiram chariot festival at the Perur Patteeswarar Temple in Coimbatore commenced on March 23, with the traditional chariot procession scheduled for March 29. However, the festival preparations hit an unexpected roadblock when PWD officials inspected the chariot and expressed doubts about its structural stability, refusing to issue a safety certificate.
In response to the PWD's concerns, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials planned to conduct the deity procession using a sapparath (a smaller ceremonial vehicle) instead of the traditional temple chariot. This proposal sparked immediate opposition from Hindu organizations and devotees who insisted that the centuries-old tradition of the chariot procession must be preserved.
Following the protests, PWD officials conducted a reinspection of the chariot. Rectification work was then undertaken to address the deficiencies pointed out by the department. On the previous night, a team led by Construction and Maintenance Executive Engineer Selvaraj from the PWD conducted another thorough inspection. The officials stated they would conduct a final inspection this morning before announcing their decision.
During the inspection, Hindu organization members blocked the PWD official's vehicle and engaged in heated arguments. They demanded, "The chariot procession must definitely take place. A trial run should be conducted tomorrow (today) to determine the chariot's strength. That will reveal whether the chariot is structurally sound."
Following the tense standoff, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials assured everyone that a trial run would be conducted today. Only after receiving this confirmation did the protesters disperse peacefully.
The outcome of today's trial run will determine whether the traditional chariot procession can proceed as scheduled on March 29, preserving the temple's ancient festival tradition that draws thousands of devotees annually.