Fire-hit 1,000-pillar hall in Meenakshi temple reopened for devotees

A major fire broke out at the world famous temple on the night of February 2, this year. A substantial part of the Veera Vasantha Rayar Mandapam collapsed due to the fire and several other pillars also suffered damage. The 1,000-pillar hall was closed as dust from the debris fell on it. The two structures along with the eastern tower has been off-limits for devotees since then.

In the meantime, a technical team started the temple renovation works. 

Temple officials had planned to open the 1000-pillar hall sometime around the commencement of Chithirai festival. Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments(HR&CE) department, Sevur Ramachandran, recently inspected the temple. He informed then the 1,000-pillar hall would be reopened on Saturday.

Although the 1,000-pillar hall has been opened as announced, the eastern tower entrance and the Veera Vasantha Rayar Mandapam remains closed as renovation works are still 

going on there. An alternate route via North Chithirai street has been opened for devotees.