In a significant development, a Vel Yatra organised by the Hindu Munnani commenced its journey from the Chennimalai Subramania Swamy Temple to the Panimalai Temple in Tamil Nadu. The procession witnessed participation from Aadheenams across different regions of the state, notable film actors, and retired former Inspector General (IG) Pon Manikavel. The procession commenced with special pujas dedicated to Lord Murugan’s vel (spear) in front of the flag tree at the Subramanya Swami Temple, accompanied by the chanting of Thiruvasakam. The Yatra then proceeded from the Chennimalai temple to the Panimalai temple, marking a sacred pilgrimage.
Addressing the media during the event, former IG & Idol Wing Officer Pon Manikavel raised pertinent concerns regarding the management of temple finances by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. When asked about the allegations by HR&CE department minister PK Sekar Babu, Pon Manickavel replied, “I will reply to it but will Tamil Nadu get better? He is a stranger. We both will bite the dust one day. We are like tops, we will rotate as long as there is momentum. To talk about such unnecessary and ineffectual people in a temple is Adharma.”
He also added about the Chief Minister, “They have 38,688 temples in their hands but if they will not enter any temple, it is the height of immorality, the height of Adharma. They should not come, we don’t want you to come. We despise him. Don’t come. But you are controlling the temples. Now, all these temples have been built by Cheras, Cholas, and Pandya kings. They were the ones who donated wealth to these temples. Do you know how much money they have extracted from the temple in December 2023? It is ₹28,49,00,000 (28 crores and 49 lakh rupees) This is the truth, I swear on God. I am saying this in front of a temple. ₹28 crores! This is injustice! I am controlling my tongue now. Who are you taking this money from? Bring this out to the public, the public is totally not aware of all this, they are just watching TV.”
He continued, “This amount of ₹28,49,00,000 in a month is taken from the temple fund and showcased as administration expenses – to run the department. But the reality is this money is being used for education expenses of the JCO’s child, to buy their clothes, to pay their rent, for their personal expenditure – everything is God’s money. But the revenue and police departments are not like that. They get paid using the taxes paid by the people, these people are using people’s money! Please understand this. The money they are using is not taxpayer’s money but temple money.”
Manikavel criticised the HR&CE Department for its alleged mishandling of rent arrears, stating that ₹151 crores in rent arrears from temple properties had accumulated in the past eight months alone. He said, “There is 22600 (units unsure) ground vacant land in the state belonging to temples. CM Stalin claimed he has done quite a bit to retrieve the rental arrears for these lands. Did you know that only 8 months of the rental arrears amount to about ₹151 crores? They have said this, their signature is there in the document. Can the minister say he did not understand English and just signed unknowingly? He cannot. Last month, they received ₹150 crore rupees as revenue – arrears from vacant land. Apart from this, there are buildings, 4,28,000 area of landed property out of this 1,30,000 odd area is missing.”
He also added, “If I was working now, I would send the entire HR&CE department to jail. God willing, if I get the chance but I will not take it. I am just venting out my emotions. So much atrocity is going on. Whatever we say, they claim they only did it. First, say that you are a hireling, and then say anything else. Who is a hireling, who are you taking your wages from? From Eashwaran (from God), from His funds. Except Chief Minister who receives his pay from public money (tax) (₹2,05,000), whereas the minister and his PA, they have hired 2 commissioners, how unjust is this? Each gets ₹2 lakhs as a salary. Just because there is no one to ask questions, they are enjoying and behaving like dictators.”
He also questioned the disparity in salaries, noting that officers who may not be actively involved in temple affairs receive higher pay compared to the priests who perform essential duties for a meagre amount of ₹4500. Furthermore, Manikavel pointed out the potential threat to the antiquity of temples due to the department’s involvement in temple Thiruppani (renovation). He suggested that the State Department of Archaeology should oversee temple restoration to preserve the historical significance of these sites. Expressing concern about the recovery of idols, Manikavel disclosed that in 2012 alone, 2662 statues were recovered from New York City, estimated to be worth ₹1,020 crore. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to collaborate with the central government to recover the remaining idols and stressed the importance of a vigilant Anti-Idol Trafficking Unit.
Manikavel asserted that the Hindu Charities Department needs a revamp, he emphasised that his intentions were not driven by a desire for publicity and expressed commitment to the cause of preserving the sanctity of temples in Tamil Nadu.
(with inputs from News7 & ETVBharat)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.