In a press release by the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President, K Annamalai, has lashed out at the DMK government and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments department with regard to the recent incidents at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.
இந்து சமயத்தின் புனிதமான எந்தக் கோட்பாட்டின் மீதும் நம்பிக்கை இல்லாத நாத்திகத்தைப் பரப்பி, இந்து கடவுள்களை கொச்சைப்படுத்தும் கூட்டத்திற்கு அடைக்கலமாகத் திகழும் திமுக, சிதம்பரம் நடராஜர் கோவிலின் நிர்வாகத்தில் இதற்கு மேலும் தலையிட்டால், விளைவுகளை சந்திக்க நேரிடும் என்று மிக… pic.twitter.com/EGgbspcAmy
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 29, 2023
The press release stated that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government is working very hard to disrupt the age-old worshipping practices at the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which holds a significant historical and religious significance dating back over a thousand years.
At the center of the controversy is the decision to restrict public access to the Kanakasabhai (Golden Hall) in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple for four days following the annual Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This restriction has been a longstanding tradition at the temple during this festival.
The press release stated that the government’s actions are undermining the autonomy of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. “This move has been viewed as a disregard for previous court rulings by both the Hon’ble Madras High Court and the Hon’ble Supreme Court, as well as an affront to the sentiments of the devotees.”, Annamalai stated in his press release.
Referring to a 1951 judgment by the Hon’ble Madras High Court (petition 2591/195), Annamalai pointed out that Chidambaram Deekshitars are considered a denominated sect of Hinduism under Article 26 of the Constitution. He also referred to another judgement in 1951 (petition 668/195) that reinforced that the administrative authority of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple solely rests with the Deekshitars, emphasizing that the government holds no jurisdiction over the temple.
“The Supreme Court dismissed the case filed by the Madras Provincial Government against this ruling in 1953. Additionally, the Hindu Religious Charities Act of 1959 explicitly states that the Tamil Nadu Government has no authority over temples managed by the Hindu religion (Denominated Community). Despite these legal precedents, the DMK government in 2002 attempted to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under the purview of the Hindu Religious Charities Department, a decision that was later deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.”, the BJP Tamil Nadu President noted in his release.
Annamalai also recalled that when the DMK government tried to take over Chidambaram Natarajar Temple in 2009 by issuing a government order, it was struck down by the Supreme Court and the GO was finally withdrawn by the state government in 2014.
“Since coming into power in 2021, the current DMK-led government has faced criticism for interfering in the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and attempting to gain control through the charity department. Officials have demanded an audit of the temple’s jewels, which was duly conducted in compliance with the request. However, the government’s interference has continued, leading to discontent among the temple authorities and devotees”, states the press release.
In May of last year, the Tamil Nadu government issued an ordinance that encroached on the temple’s jurisdiction. It declared that visitors could access the Kanakasabhai and partake in worship. However, during the Aani Thirumanjanam ceremony, when the temple jewels are adorned by Thillai Nataraja, access to the Kanakasabhai is restricted to ensure security. The temple authorities did not oppose this ordinance, but questions remain regarding the government’s ongoing interference, he stated in the press release.
In the press release, Annamalai also points to the allegations regarding the Special District Collector’s handling of the 3,500 acres of land owned by the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. It is claimed that revenue accounts for this land have not been reported for the past 15 years, and the temple has been deprived of its rightful share of revenue during this period. “These allegations warrant clarification from the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister, Mr. Sekar Babu.”, he said.
He stated that there have been calls for a private audit of the revenue expenditure of the more than 37,000 temples managed by the HR&CE Department. “Minister Sekhar Babu, who appears to disregard the judgements of the Hon’ble Madras High Court, must acknowledge the limits of his jurisdiction”, Annamalai stated in the press release.
He also stated that the actions of the DMK government were extending beyond mere opposition to Hinduism and accused the government of encroaching on temple properties managed by the HR&CE Department and creating new problems in an attempt to divert attention from other issues of their regime. The action of the DMK government he stated was not only against Hinduism but also displayed their scant respect for the Constitution and court rulings.
Annamalai has also warned that if there is any further interference by the government in the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple there could be significant consequences.
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