Pilgrims queue 4+ hours in open sun at Arunachaleswarar temple — heat casualties

Summer darshan queues at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai now stretch 4–6 hours. The open-air queue has no shade structures for a 600-metre stretch near the 100-feet Raja Gopuram. Two pilgrim heat-stroke casualties were reported in May 2025. HR&CE board has funds allocated for shade sheds since 2023 but tenders were cancelled twice. Temporary measures (water distribution) exist but inadequate.