Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Devotee dies in temple ritual accident
A man named Manikumar from Andhra Pradesh went to a temple in Tiruvannamalai to do a special ritual.
The ritual involves squeezing through a very narrow space between two stone pillars.
Many people believe that doing this brings good luck and can even cure illnesses.
Unfortunately, Manikumar got stuck and couldn't breathe.
He was rescued, but he died in the hospital.
Another woman also got stuck but was saved by other people.
After these incidents, people are asking the temple authorities to make the ritual safer by adding warning signs and having more people to help.
A 36-year-old devotee, Manikumar, died after getting trapped between two stone pillars while performing a ritual at the Idukku Pillayar Temple in Tiruvannamalai.
The ritual involves passing through a narrow gap, believed to bring blessings and cure illnesses.
Manikumar was rescued but declared dead at the hospital.
Another devotee, an overweight woman, also got trapped but was rescued safely.
Devotees and social activists are calling for safety measures, including warning signs and police supervision, to prevent similar incidents.
- Who
- Manikumar, a 36-year-old devotee from Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh
- What
- A devotee died while attempting a ritual at the Idukku Pillayar Temple
- When
- Last Friday night
- Where
- Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
- Why
- The devotee got trapped between two stone pillars while attempting to pass through a narrow gap
Traditionalists
Safety Advocates
Ritual Significance
Traditionalists
The ritual is a sacred tradition that should be preserved as it is believed to bring blessings and remove negative energies.
Safety Advocates
While the ritual may have cultural significance, safety measures should be implemented to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of devotees.
- Location
- Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
- Ritual
- Passing through a narrow gap between two stone pillars
- Believed Benefits
- Good fortune, removal of negative energies, relief from physical pain, and cure of certain illnesses
- Incident Date
- Last Friday night
- Victim
- Manikumar, 36-year-old devotee from Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh
- Second Incident
- An overweight woman devotee from Andhra Pradesh became trapped but was rescued safely
- Safety Measures Demanded
- Warning boards, body-size guidelines, safety personnel, and police supervision