Thousands of dead fish were found floating on the surface of Saravanapoigai tank, the temple tank of the Sri Subramaniaswamy Temple, located in Tirupparankundram in Madurai on Sunday.
Reportedly, foul smell started emanating from the tank, one of five theerthams of the temple, which led to the discovery of the dead fishes which had already started floating since Saturday. The temple authorities at last had to deploy workers to remove them.
Locals suspect that it could be a handiwork of some miscreants, who could have poisoned the water, owing to enmity over taking fishing lease.
The annual fishing rights in the tank of the temple, one of six abodes of Lord Muruga, had been given for Rs. 47,000.
Saravana Poigai is believed to be an auspicious water body, which has mythological connections to the temple and is situated about half a kilometre away from the temple premises. The tank is spread over an area of about 15 acres and is used by devotees for a ritual bath before the temple visit.