Daily Pilgrimage to Sathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam Temple Suspended from June 22

Devotees will no longer be permitted to undertake daily trekking to the renowned Sundara Mahalingam Temple located in the Sathuragiri Hills from June 22 onwards, following a directive issued in accordance with a High Court order.

The famous hill temple, situated within the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve in the Saptoor forest range, attracts thousands of devotees every year. Following severe flooding in 2015, authorities had restricted access to the temple, allowing pilgrims to visit only on specific auspicious days such as Amavasya, Pournami, and Pradosham, amounting to approximately eight days each month.

However, beginning in April last year, devotees were permitted to trek to the temple daily and offer prayers. The relaxation was granted as the Western Ghats region around Watrap and surrounding areas had not experienced significant rainfall, and no weather warnings had been issued for the region.

Forest and district authorities had earlier stated that daily access would continue based on prevailing weather conditions, with pilgrim safety remaining the primary consideration.

In the latest development, authorities have announced that daily pilgrimage and trekking to the temple will be suspended from June 22. The decision has been implemented following directions from the High Court, effectively ending the daily darshan arrangement that had been in place for more than a year.

Devotees are expected to be allowed access only on officially permitted days and occasions as determined by the authorities. The move has been undertaken to ensure the safety of pilgrims and to regulate movement within the ecologically sensitive forest region surrounding the temple.

The Sundara Mahalingam Temple remains one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered hill shrines, drawing devotees seeking spiritual blessings amid the scenic surroundings of the Western Ghats.