Two Elevators in the Works at Temple in South India

Preliminary work has begun to make way for a pair of elevators to enhance accessibility at Swamimalai temple near Kumbakonam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, The Hindu is among outlets to report. Approximately INR 3.55 crore (US$428,201) of devotees’ contributions is being used by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to construct the lifts, which will be housed in steel structures on the temple’s north side. Able to accommodate up to 20 passengers per trip, the elevators will be connected to the temple by a footbridge and save devotees — particularly the elderly — from having to climb 60 steps to reach the temple, dedicated to god Murugan.