The issue came to the fore when the actress posted photographs on her Instagram account of her praying with folded hands near the 5 feet high burning cauldron with a caption stating that it took her one-and-a-half hours to ascend and two-and-a-half hours to descend the hill.

The Forest Department has banned locals ascending the hill over many instances of trekkers getting lost only to be rescued later by teams comprising Forest, Fire and Rescue Personnel and sometimes even local residents. A year ago, a Chinese national who ascended the hill for mediation was brought down and sent home. Similarly, a team of foreigners who wanted to trek were also stopped at the last minute.

Shankar said, “We are following up with Revenue officials on how the actress was allowed to ascend the hill. We are also checking with other sources to see if any anybody local was responsible for guiding the actress up the hill.” “Once the truth comes out, the actress faces a fine of up to Rs 5,000” the DFO stated.

According to district officials, the maha deepam was lit atop the hill on November 29 and will continue to burn till December 9 and hence Arunachaleswarar temple workers stay atop the hill, with special permission to regularly replenish the cauldron with ghee to ensure the continued burning of the deepam.