Chennai Devotee Dies During Pilgrimage to Melmudi Ranganathar Hill Temple in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: A devotional pilgrimage turned tragic at the Melmudi Ranganathar hill temple in Coimbatore district on Saturday, when a 48-year-old devotee from Chennai reportedly suffered breathlessness while descending the hill and died.

The deceased, identified as Vinoth, 48, from the Minjur area of Chennai, had climbed the hill along with his friends on Saturday morning to visit the temple.

According to reports, Vinoth complained of breathlessness midway through the climb and told his friends that he was returning. He then began descending the hill alone.

While making his way down, he reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness. Devotees nearby rushed to his aid, offering him water and attempting to revive him. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful.

He was immediately carried down to the foothills and examined inside a 108 ambulance, where he was declared dead.

His colleagues were informed of the incident, and his body was subsequently taken to Coimbatore Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Thadagam police are investigating the incident.

Restrictions on Temple Access

With no vehicular access to the temple, devotees have to trek up the hill to reach the shrine. The temple is located within the Thadagam reserve forest area, and public access is restricted to the Tamil month of Purattasi, which falls during September and October. No public access is permitted during the rest of the year.

Even during the permitted month, the pilgrimage is allowed only on Saturdays, between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., subject to restrictions imposed due to safety concerns. However, entry to the hill is prohibited after 11 a.m., even on Saturdays.