Forest officials discovered a damaged self-formed Vinayagar idol near a Shiva Lingam on Velliangiri Mountain in Poondi, Coimbatore. Elephant footprints confirmed the cause of destruction during a routine patrol on September 6.
Coimbatore: Forest officials have reported that elephants damaged a self-formed Vinayagar idol on Velliangiri Mountain, located near Poondi in Coimbatore. The incident came to light during a routine patrol on September 6.
Velliangiri Mountain, known for its naturally formed Shiva Lingam and an adjacent Vinayagar idol, is a popular pilgrimage site. Devotees from various regions trek to the mountain, especially during the pilgrimage season from February to May, coinciding with Shivaratri.
For the past two months, authorities had imposed restrictions on climbing the mountain. During their evening patrol on September 6, forest department officials discovered that the self-formed Vinayagar idol had been damaged.
Upon further investigation, the officials found elephant footprints near the damaged idol. Subsequent examinations confirmed that elephants were responsible for the destruction of the Vinayagar idol.
The incident has raised concerns about the interaction between wildlife and religious sites in the area. Forest officials are likely to implement additional measures to protect both the natural formations and the local wildlife.
Velliangiri Mountain, known for its naturally formed Shiva Lingam and an adjacent Vinayagar idol, is a popular pilgrimage site. Devotees from various regions trek to the mountain, especially during the pilgrimage season from February to May, coinciding with Shivaratri.
For the past two months, authorities had imposed restrictions on climbing the mountain. During their evening patrol on September 6, forest department officials discovered that the self-formed Vinayagar idol had been damaged.
Upon further investigation, the officials found elephant footprints near the damaged idol. Subsequent examinations confirmed that elephants were responsible for the destruction of the Vinayagar idol.
The incident has raised concerns about the interaction between wildlife and religious sites in the area. Forest officials are likely to implement additional measures to protect both the natural formations and the local wildlife.