In yet another instance of blatant disregard for Hindu devotees’ rights, the police in Tirunelveli stopped the distribution of food at Ayya Vaikundapathy Temple in Palayamkottai today. This shocking action directly violates a court order that had mandated the distribution of food to devotees. However, the authorities, acting in an authoritarian and anarchic manner, chose to defy the legal directive, leaving the devotees outraged.
In response to this high-handedness, hundreds of devotees gathered in protest, blocking the road leading to the temple. Their demand was simple—let the court order be implemented, and let them receive what is rightfully theirs. Protesters who opposed this action were however arrested.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has strongly criticized the DMK government for its actions against the devotees of Ayya Vaikundar during the incarnation festival celebrations in Palayamkottai. The police reportedly entered the premises, halted the Annadhanam (food offering), and confiscated the utensils, citing a lack of permission.
In response, Annamalai took to his official X account, stating, “It is highly condemnable that the DMK government has imposed various restrictions on the incarnation festival of Ayya Vaikundar, a celebration joyfully observed by Ayya Vaikundar’s devotees worldwide. The police entered the Ayya Vaikundapathi in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli district, prevented the devotees from offering food, and seized their cooking utensils. As a result, the devotees of Ayya Vaikundar have been deeply hurt. In the spiritual land of Tamil Nadu, the DMK government has been in the habit of continuously disturbing the activities of devotees. Chief Minister Stalin seems to believe that by promoting pseudo-secularism, he can destroy the spiritual beliefs of Tamil Nadu with such reckless actions. We strongly condemn this anarchic behavior of the DMK government. On the incarnation day of Ayya Vaikundar, we urge the Chief Minister to apologize for hurting the feelings of the devotees and take action against the police officers involved in this illegal act, as well as those responsible for it.”
உலகெங்கும் உள்ள அய்யா வைகுண்டர் பக்தர்கள் மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் கொண்டாடும் அய்யா வைகுண்டரின் அவதார விழாவுக்கு, திமுக அரசு பல்வேறு கெடுபிடிகள் விதித்திருப்பது வன்மையாகக் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது. திருநெல்வேலி மாவட்டம் பாளையம்கோட்டை அய்யா வைகுண்டபதிக்குள் நுழைந்து, பக்தர்களுக்கு அன்னதானம்… pic.twitter.com/DN4N2XZpKZ
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 4, 2025
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