News Tamil Nadu

TN HR&CE Dept Allegedly Selling Expired Prasadam At Palani Murugan Temple, Refutes Accusations

February 12, 2024
The Commune

Since the establishment of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, there have been widespread complaints from the public and the devotees contending that the Hindu Religious and Endowments (HR&CE) Department is not functioning properly and is displaying a bias against the Hindu community.  The administration of the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple by the HR&CE is consistently under scrutiny and encountering criticism and challenges.

The distinguished Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, one of the six abodes (Aarupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, draws in thousands of devotees on a daily basis, with an even larger influx during festivals such as Thaipoosam. In a recent incident, devotees visiting the Palani temple raised concerns that the prasadam sold by the temple administration were beyond their expiry date. Offerings like laddu, murukku, and athirasam were reportedly being sold with a noticeably spoiled odour.

Accusations arose that an excess of offerings was prepared during the Thaipoosam festival (25 January 2024) and were being sold in February 2024 without adequate supervision. This has led to devotees unknowingly buying spoiled items, with accusations emerging that prasadam without the production dates emitted a foul odour. In response to these concerns, the temple staff reimbursed devotees for their purchases. The deteriorated state of the prasadam gained widespread attention on social media, prompting the press to take notice. In response, the temple administration issued a press release, refuting the television reports.

Following this, the Dindigul District Food Safety Department officials, led by Officer Kalaivani, were summoned to inspect shops selling spoiled prasad and Panchamritham manufacturing facilities. The investigation uncovered the deterioration of oil in the laddoo, leading them to collect samples for laboratory analysis. The scrutiny was concentrated exclusively on the area where the offerings were produced, and journalists were not granted access. Subsequent to the inspection, the food safety officials recommended changing packing covers, filtering the oil, and ensuring the recording of expiry dates before the sale of the offerings.

During a press conference held at the temple office to address the allegations, the Trustee Chandramohan, Assistant Commissioner Bharathi, along with other members of the trustees Rajasekar and Manimaran, were present.

Trustee Chandramohan clarified that the sale of prasadam was not solely driven by profit motives. In response to reporters’ inquiries about the officials’ claim of oil in the laddu, he dismissed it, stating that it was merely the smell of oil. He mentioned that they had already ordered an oil dryer machine, and once implemented, even that scent would be eliminated.

When questioned about the absence of manufacturing and expiry dates on laddoo and murukku, despite being mentioned for Panchamritham, Chandramohan acknowledged the oversight and assured that they would address the issue based on the officials’ recommendations. Responding to concerns about the 15-day expiry period for Panchamritham, he explained that the product could actually remain consumable for an additional 15 days without spoiling. However, when pressed by reporters about the contradiction, he conceded that after 30 days, the product could not be consumed. The reporters countered this by pointing out that on the 16th day, even with a 15-day expiry label, the prasadam might not be suitable for consumption.

Instances Of Mismanagement By HR & CE Department At Palani

Reports from January and February this year reveal instances of arrogance and negligence from the temple authorities. They seem to have autocratically made decisions, issuing orders without adhering to the primary purpose of the department – serving the devotees, rather than assuming a ruling role.

On 30 January 2024 Chandran, a devotee from Edappadi, was allegedly dragged, beaten, and left with a fractured skull by temple guards and authorities. Both Chandran and his injured son were admitted to the Palani Hills Temple hospital for treatment. In response, over 500 devotees from Edappadi protested, urging action against the implicated security guards. The temple authorities assured the suspension of those responsible.

On 15 January 2024, Palani Murugan Temple administration especially Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department faced criticism as worshippers were allegedly charged ₹1000 for mobile phone safekeeping, despite an initial notification stating a fee of ₹5. After completing the darshan, over 200 devotees confronted temple staff and engaged in a heated verbal exchange with temple staff over the high charges, resulting in a reduction to ₹500, with a warning that those unable to pay would be placed in the donation box.

In another incident during the same month on 5 January 2024, disappointment struck devotees preparing for Pongal and Thaipoosam celebrations at Palani’s Dandayuthapani Swami Temple, as the HR&CE Department allegedly denied permission to play drums during the festivities. This decision caused dismay among worshippers, especially during the sacred Thaipoosam festival, known for strict moral codes and fasting. Assistant Commissioner Lakshmi clarified that drumming was prohibited on the hilltop temple premises.

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