In preparation for Maha Shivaratri, devotees will be allowed to climb the Velliangiri Hills and worship Lord Shiva from February 1 to May, according to an announcement by the Coimbatore District Forest Department.
Known as the “Southern Kailash” by devotees, the Velliangiri Andavar Temple is located in the Poondi region of the Western Ghats. To reach the sanctum housing the self-manifested deity, devotees must scale seven steep hills. Despite the challenging climb, thousands visit during Maha Shivaratri and other special occasions every year to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
On auspicious days like Maha Shivaratri and Chitra Pournami, devotees from Tamil Nadu and other states ascend the hills in large numbers for darshan.
For 2025, Maha Shivaratri falls on February 26. To facilitate the pilgrimage, the Forest Department has issued permission for devotees to climb the Velliangiri Hills from February 1 until the end of May.
Devotees climbing the hills are prohibited from carrying plastic items and inflammable materials. The Forest Department has requested devotees to avoid bringing such items.
Due to the expected large crowd of devotees at the Velliangiri Temple and on the trekking path, the temple management, forest officials, and police are actively making security arrangements.
