The Madras High Court has ordered that no police permission is required for live telecast of Ram Mandir consecration at private temples and marriage halls.
Justice Anand Venkatesh ruled that no permission is needed from cops or the government for live telecast of Pran Pratishtha ceremony at private temples and halls.
In response to a Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the Madras High Court has addressed the rejection of permission for the conduct of Rama Nama Bhajan and Annadhanam on 22 January 2024, at KKR Kalyana Mandapam, Pattabiram. The petition challenged the refusal order issued by the first respondent on 21 January 2024.
During the hearing, senior counsels Mr. G. Karthikeyan and Mr. S. Ravi represented the petitioner, while Mr. A. Damodaran, Additional Public Prosecutor, appeared for the respondents. The Court was informed that subsequent permission had been granted by the first respondent, and the proceedings dated 21 January 2024, were presented.
The Court sought clarity on the government’s stance regarding such events, considering the multitude of functions anticipated. The Additional Public Prosecutor outlined the government’s position:
Events in private enclosures like mandapams, private temples, or other private places do not require police permission. Organizers are encouraged to arrange live streaming of the Pran Prathishta at Ayodhya.
In cases where events might overflow into public spaces, organizers must inform the police in advance to facilitate necessary measures for crowd control and to avoid disturbances to public movement.
For events within temples under the HR & CE Department’s control, prior information to the concerned department official is necessary for permission, subject to reasonable conditions.
In sensitive areas, the police retain the discretion to impose restrictions to prevent unnecessary law and order issues.
The Court concluded that conducting functions, including Bhajans, Rama Nama recitations, and Annadhanams, is not inherently prohibited. It emphasized responsible and pious conduct to avoid law and order problems. The judgment, disposing of the writ petition with the provided directions, emphasized the need for accurate information and encouraged a peaceful celebration of auspicious occasions. The Court also clarified that Bhakti towards God should contribute to peace and happiness without disturbing societal equilibrium. The decision was reached without imposing any costs.
First success Looks like Justice Anand Venkatesh has said that conducting such functions can’t be stopped inside private premises 🙏🏻❤️🕉️🚩Waiting for the order to be uploaded . #ஜெய்ஶ்ரீராம்https://t.co/coM3TZsl7b
The entire country and probably the whole world is waiting eagerly in anticipation and celebrating the Pran Prathishtha at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024. However, in the state of Tamil Nadu, devotees are being allegedly prevented from celebrating the ceremony. Several devotees have been denied permission to conduct bhajans, special pujas, live screening of the proceedings on LED screens, offering Annadanam, etc.
Governor of the state of Tamil Nadu RN Ravi took to the official X handle to write on this. The post read, “This morning I visited Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai, and offered prayers to Prabhu Sri Ram for the well-being of all. This temple is under the HR&CE Dept. There was an all-pervasive sense of invisible fear and apprehensions writ large on the faces of priests and temple staff. A stark contrast to the festive environment in the rest of the country. While the entire country is celebrating the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, the temple premises here exude a sense of acute repression.”- Governor Ravi”.
"This morning I visited Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai, and offered prayers to Prabhu Sri Ram for the well-being of all. This temple is under HR&CE Dept. There was an all pervasive sense of invisible fear and apprehensions writ large on the faces of priests…
The Governor seems to echo the general sentiment and it is pretty evident that the DMK government ruling in the state of Tamil Nadu is leaving no stone unturned to prevent Hindus in the state from celebrating the momentous occasion.
A private temple where Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to watch live proceedings of the ceremony in Ayodhya witnessed police personnel entering the premises and dismantling the LED screen set up.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 21 January 2024 posted on her X handle about how the TN government had banned the LED screening of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathishtha ceremony.
Speaking to news reporters at Madhuranthakam in Chenglepet district in TN, she said, “The whole country and many countries across the world are eagerly awaiting the Pran Prathishta of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The arrangements for the celebration have been made by the people themselves, not any party or organisation. The people in their own interest decided that they wanted to see the ceremony proceedings and arranged for several things, it was the people’s effort. But when I landed here, from yesterday, from the public themselves, not my party members alone, I heard that the government was preventing them from carrying out whatever they had planned. Even when we ask for permission, they are refusing it. Our letters are just like that, they are saying they never refused it. But if we make the arrangements for some bhajan or puja or set up a mic, police are threatening us. He (Sekar Babu) can very well say it is a rumour and a lie. How can a Union minister say something like this? No, I do not interfere in such matters so easily. But till midnight last night – continuous phone calls, public and my party people. I had informed the state government of my Kanchipuram plan beforehand, my itinerary was passed on long back, they also sent my programme schedule to Kanchipuram – everything was fine. But the event I was supposed to participate in, a sub-inspector there threatened the organisers to dismantle the LED setup that was going to be used for Ram Mandir Pran Prathishth live streaming. The organisers called me up. I even told them you have invited me and what can I do? Till the night, the subinspector was there. There was a discussion with collectors, SP, and all the officials. Everyone said since the rejection letter did not come to hand, you can continue with the programme, if you want. There is no letter in hand. That is a public place, you cannot carry out anything there, law and order problems may arise, they say. Ok, if we thought we could go and do the same inside the temple, there was already a directive in place that no such things could be done. I can list out to you the temples that received such an instruction. You can check out Sekar Babu’s tweet itself. People are replying to his tweet – with rejection letters from various temples. There are so many. I am not spreading rumours.”
She continued, “Let me tell you one more thing. In today’s Dinamalar paper, there was an article saying “Prohibited”. The minister is replying to me that I must not spread rumours. You all are journalists here. But if Dinamalar says it is rumour and even if the rest of them say it, it is not a rumour, why cannot Minister Sekar Babu give a response to that rumour itself? He should have said, you are journalists, you should do due diligence before publishing this, what you have published is wrong, I assure you that such an instruction is not even in place, tell the people. Should he not tell the people that if you want to celebrate this event, you can surely do it and there will be no prevention to this. He did not say that. The police are standing there even now. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department – should this department not participate and aid the people with their worship and pujas? They should cooperate but instead, they are making police there and saying where is the letter, did we reject it – they will not reject, they will not accept, they will stretch this till the end but they have rejected permission for a few.”
This is called carpet bombing ! @nsitharaman avl Obliterates the dmk narrative with truth bombs . @PKSekarbabu I know u will cling to power at any cost but you will be held accountable one day if not today . pic.twitter.com/JYxmw3WNyc
Speaking to Times Now’s Navika Kumar on the allegations of Sekar Babu that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was trying to “distract attention” Away from the DMK Youth Wing Conference, she said, “Laughable, absolutely ridiculous. Some youth programme of the DMK happens in Salem and the allegation is we are trying to distract the whole world from Ayodhya, what a comparison, please. That is not worth responding to, just dump that. The other that they have not issued any orders, Oh really, I am so happy to hear that Navika, so through you let me then challenge the minister and also the government of Tamil Nadu, if indeed there is no order, stopping people from viewing the hon’ble PM and singing bhajans or reciting Ramayan, let them say so openly. Let them tell in temples, that people can do their bhajans, they can put a screen. You take the money from the Hindu devotees, you control the Hindu temples and that is not even right. You take the monies from the contribution made from the bhakta, please establish a television screen in the temple and openly say, we wouldn’t have any objection and we would welcome Hindu devotees to go to the temple and watch the programme which Hon’ble PM is doing. You are welcome to watch the live telecast. Say that positively. Don’t hide behind bushes and say no I have not issued anything, we have not stopped anybody, we don’t want any of that. Say openly. This is Aranilaya Thurai which means Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment for which there is an exclusive minister and as I understand that minister’s business is to help Hindus in performing their lifestyle easily, going and doing the worship in temples and facilitating everything in the temple. Let him issue a statement today, we have not stopped anyone. On the contrary, I will facilitate, because I am the minister of the HR&CE and therefore let the Hindu bhakts go to the temple, and watch the Hon’ble PM participate in the Pran Prathishtha. So no negative statements, let them give a positive one. Invite Hindu templegoers to see what is happening in Ayodhya tomorrow. That would be a meaningful role rather than a minister who is supposed to take care of the interests of the Hindus to stop them from doing their worship and then later on come about and say where is it, I have not stopped it, you put all the police everywhere”
If indeed there is no order (ban on live telecast of Jan 22 event), then I challenge the minister and TN Govt to say that devotees can perform their bhajans. I challenge them to set up a screen and openly declare that they wouldn't have any objection to Hindu devotees watching… pic.twitter.com/Cl41PoFagr
On 22 January 2024, Niramala Sitharaman posted on her X handle about the denial of permission to screen the proceedings on an LED setup. She wrote, “The repression saga in TN continues: a small village (not more than 200 houses) where people wanted to celebrate #AyodhyaRamMandir and watch PM Narendra Modi participate have been told that unless the District Collector gives permission they shall not install the hired LED screen. The DC is sitting on the matter. LED supplier is threatened. Village: Karunilam District: Chengalpattu. Another but a bigger village LED permission hanging fire: Singaperumal Koil District: Chengalpattu”
The repression saga in TN continues: a small village (not more than 200 houses) where people wanted to celebrate #AyodhyaRamMandir and watch PM @narendramodi participate have been told that unless the District Collector gives permission they shall not install the hired LED…
On 22 January 2024, the Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram where Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman was supposed to watch the proceedings of the Pran Prathishtha ceremony live is witnessing TN police entering the premises and removing the LED screens.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | LED screens, that were installed at Kamakshi Amman Temple, to watch the live streaming of the Ayodhya Ram Temple pranpratishtha, being taken down now. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was scheduled to watch the live telecast here. pic.twitter.com/9zxiDFPalo
BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai has released an audio of a conversation between a Hindu devotee and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department Executive Officer of the Poonamalle Perumal Temple in which the latter confesses that there is a verbal order to prohibit celebrations marking the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple consecration ceremony.
Earlier news reports surfaced that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu allegedly issued unofficial verbal orders to prohibit Annadanam (free food) and other special poojas in temples marking the ceremony.
The issue also came to spotlight when devotees in Then Thiruperai were denied police permission to hold bhajans and special poojas at the Perumal temple. It is pertinent to note that Then Thiruperai is considered one of the ‘Nava Thirupathi’ and is located in Thoothukudi (DMK MP Kanimozhi’s constituency).
After Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the DMK government, the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P. Sekarbabu called it ‘rumours’ and an attempt to deflect people’s attention from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s DMK Youth Wing conference. The DMK Minister said that no such orders have been given by the government.
However, in the alleged audio released by BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, a devotee who had organized a special pooja for the occasion can be heard confronting the HR&CE official for banning the pooja without any written order from the government.
“Yes madam, special pooja is not allowed madam.“, the officer can be heard saying.
When the devotee asks whether any Government Order (GO) has been passed, the HR&CE official confesses that “Not a GO but we have got oral instruction.”
When the devotee replies saying “we shouldn’t consider oral instructions right?“, the HR&CE official says “We would be facing problems if we allowed the pooja right?”
Exposing this audio in his social media post, BJP Tamil Nadu leader Annamalai said that the DMK HR&CE Miniter has a lot to answer.
Listen to the full audio here.
Conversation between an HR&CE Executive officer & a Devotee of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
The HR&CE EO mentions explicitly that they have received oral instructions not to allow any activity inside the Temple premises concerning Pran Pratishtha.
The youth wing conference of DMK is happening at Salem in Tamil Nadu and all the leaders from DMK are sharing the stage here. During their speeches here, many of the leaders have trained their guns on the central BJP and talking about the removal of the central BJP from power as one of their main agenda points.
One such speech was by the DMK MP Kanimozhi, launching a scathing attack on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration. In her speech she said, “We are children of Periyar, but tomorrow they are opening a temple in North India. I am not going to talk anything about that temple. I am not even going to ask why the President was not invited to the temple opening ceremony.”
However, the DMK MP is wrong as the President was formally invited by the trust members headed by Nripendra Misra, the former Principal Secretary to PM Modi.
— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) 👊 (@indhavaainko) January 21, 2024
She further said “But the PM who is here today will open the temple tomorrow. He is doing “kshethradanam”. We don’t have any problems regarding that. The HR&CE minister is here, I don’t know much about temples, so I am asking him, ‘can a temple be opened without constructing it fully?’. I am asking you. You can’t open it, right? You should not open it. But today what is BJP saying? We are the saviours of Hindu religion, we are the saviours of Sanathana Dharmam, we are saving the temples, so they are saying please hand over all the temples to us.”
Pointing at Durga Stalin, the DMK MP said “Even my “Anni” is sitting here, I know she might feel bad, but Hindu religion says incomplete temples should not be opened, but they are politicizing it and opening it. Even many of your people (Shankaracharyas) have also refused to attend the opening. They are even giving half day holiday for this and sending trains. A private trust is opening a temple, but the government is sending free trains. But we can’t question this. If we question this, they will put ICE on us. ICE means Income tax, CBI and ED, these three will come.”
She further went on to say “Whoever asks questions, these three will come and find us. But those who are afraid of these are not in Tamil Nadu, not here. Whatever you do, we will oppose you, we will oppose your opinions, we will oppose and change the government in the centre. There is no change in this. Because in whatever ways you can discriminate against Tamil Nadu, you are doing it. You are the PM of India, but you are not giving the pending payments for Tamil Nadu. There was a flood in Tamil Nadu, the PM said I have sent senior minister Rajnath Singh, I have sent Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. They both came and saw the floods, but they have not given even 5 paise until now. But when Gujarat was flooded, thousands of crores you poured there. Are people of Tamil Nadu not humans?”
Speaking about her constituency, the DMK MP said “In my constitution Thoothukudi, thousands of houses were washed away by the floods, many farmers were affected, how badly Chennai was affected, don’t these things melt your heart? Because Tamil Nadu people won’t vote for you, you are not giving us any help nor relief. You won’t even give the money that should be given to us. What did the finance minister who came to see the flooded areas? She went to the temple and asked why they are giving less salary to the ‘pujari’ there. What was she supposed to do, and what is she doing? These are their basis and thoughts. We should understand whom they are more concerned about. Very soon there should be a change. It is not enough that the change should come in Tamil Nadu alone, in Tamil Nadu it will be 40 out of 40 and there is no doubt about it. But this change should come all over the country. To make that change happen, all these youths should walk to North India, that is enough. That change alone can save this country.‘
MP Kanimozhi has even welcomed PM Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu in the recent past and was taken head on by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in the parliament session on the issues of Sengol, Jallikattu and Hindi imposition.
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DMK MP A. Raja who is known for his hate speech against Hinduism has once again stoked controversy with his speech at the party’s Youth Wing Conference in Salem.
A. Raja who had earlier said Shudras are children of prostitutes and will remain so until they remain in Hinduism has now turned his guns towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah trying to pit them against Shankaracharyas saying that both the leaders are Shudras.
During the initial part of his speech at the DMK Youth Wing Conference, Raja sang paeans about the late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, current Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the crown prince of the party DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin under whose leadership the Youth Wing Conference has been organized at Salem from 20-21 January 2024.
Singing paeans for Udhayanidhi, the I.N.D.I. Ally DMK MP said “No leader in entire India has the guts to say that it is wrong to build the Ram Temple where the mosque stood. They don’t have the mental strength. But I see you as Kalignar, Anna, and the great Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin when you crossed the judgement of the Supreme Court with your statement. Because, only Periyar had such audacity.”
Speaking on the Dravidian Model, DMK MP A. Raja said “There are two cultures in India. One culture is based on Sanskrit which is called the Aryan culture. It was in the northern part on the other side of Vindhyas. The other is Tamil and its branch languages.”
He further said “Those who are of the branch languages which is based on Tamil is the Dravidian race. This is being refuted today. We aren’t the ones to say that these two races are there. Jawaharlal Nehru said, Ambedkar said, and then history scholars said. After all of them said, Dr. Radhakrishnan in his book ‘Philosophy of Hinduism’ has said that there are two cultures based on two languages in this soil. That cultural difference has to be accepted he said. CP Ramaswamy Iyer had published a book for that. So there were two philosophies and culture in existence.“.
He also said that the ‘Aryan philosophy’ eradicated the already present Tamil culture by preventing “Shudras” and “Panchamas” to not study adding that it was Macaulay’s education system which gave right to education to oppressed people.
“Only after Macaulay’s education system came in 1835, Pallan studied, Parayan studied, Arundhathiyars studied, Nadar studied, Thevar studied, Kounders studied, Chettiyars studied, Mudaliars studied, why even Pillamaars studied. You are opposing that Macaulay education system.“, the I.N.D.I. Ally DMK MP said.
“Islamists came here, not just to construct mosques but to educate us. They gave us hygiene. You are opposing them. You are opposing rationalists. Who are the rationalists? Not those who deny God. Why did Periyar preach atheism? Man to man shouldn’t touch each other, shouldn’t be in the vicinity, if they do it is a sin, if they touch it is formidable, the nation was under the grip of such principles, if he wasn’t destroying such a world with an earthquake, war, or a tsunami, why should I believe such a God asked Periyar. Periyar didn’t have any anger against God. Periyar’s anger was that in the name of God, you (Sanatanists) prevented me from getting education. In the name of your God, you made me without culture. That was his anger.”, he said.
He further said that the things which the DMK and Dravidian ideology supports – Muslims, Christians, Macaulayists, Marxists, Materialists – is being opposed by them (Hindus aka Sanatana Dharmists, BJP supporters and Hindutvaites).
The I.N.D.I. Ally DMK MP A. Raja further said “A language can turn into nationalism. They talk of Hindu Nationalism. There has been no nationalism in the name of religion anywhere in the world. I challenge them. Neighbouring country we have Pakistan. Why did Pakistan cede? That mistake was made by Jinnah due to Savarkar. Savarkar said Hindu Nationalism. Jinnah separated saying ‘if you say Hindu Nationalism, I will say Muslim Nationalism’. Religion was made as a plank of nationalism then. Jinnah separated the country. Pakistan was formed. In one year of Pakistan ceding away, Jinnah went to Dhaka. He went to East Pakistan. Same religion. But Jinnah who was born in West Pakistan has Urdu as mother tongue. In East Pakistan, Bengali is mother tongue. He is the Prime Minister of that country. He fought for their independence and separated the nation. Like how Gandhi is the father of the nation, Pakistan’s father of the nation is Jinnah. That Jinnah goes to Dhaka and speaks in Urdu. One youngster raises his voice against this – ‘Hey you Prime Minister, if you want to speak, do so in my mother tongue, in my Bengali, in my golden language’. When he raised his voice, he was suppressed to the ground. Such a youngster over the course of time became Mujibur Rahman who separated as East Pakistan as Bangladesh. Norway and Sweden are two Christian nations. Why did Pakistan split into two? Religion can never be nationalism.”
The I.N.D.I. Ally DMK MP also said that even India is an artificially constructed nation against the Britishers.
“Periyar did not accept this (Indian) nationalism. He said that Indian nationalism was a fiction. He called the Indian flag as a loincloth. He burnt the national flag. He burn the portraits of Gandhi. The reason for that was Tamil nationalism and Tamilians should survive”, Raja said asserting that Hindu nationalism can never be true which is trying to control India.
Raja said that only DMK under the leadership of MK Stalin and the youth brigade of Udhayanidhi Stalin can counter the Hindu nationalism that is gripping entire India.
Concluding his speech, the I.N.D.I. ally DMK MP said “The war has started within the BJP itself. Arulmozhi who spoke in the morning said. Maratha warrior Shivaji was a great warrior. He professed Marathaism. He captured the nation. But the Aryans/Brahmins denied to coronate Shivaji. What was the reason? When he (Shivaji) asked ‘I emerged victorious, why are you denying me the coronation’, the Brahmins told that you’re a Shudra and hence you should not rule a nation. That nation went into poverty and despair and Shivaji’s chapter came to an end. I am telling you now. Modi who has 56” chest is no bigger warrior than Shivaji. Amit Shah is no bigger warrior than Shivaji. I am telling you now. The medicine for you is here. Hey you Amit Shah and Modi, you can be Prime Minister. But you are Shudra by birth. RSS will never accept you. It has started now. Of the 6 Sankaracharyas, 4 are not accepting you. If Shankaracharya is Hindu, who are you? Don’t cheat us in the name of Hindu. We’re all Hindus by law. Annan Duraimurugan is Hindu but you said he is Vanniyar. Adjacent to him, Nehru is a Hindu, you called him a Reddiyar. You divided us by caste but you are trying to unite us through religion. We wish to say united by law. But we don’t want to be the Hindus that you call. We don’t want Hindu nationalism. We want Dravidian nationalism, Tamil nationalism. Our Chief Minister who is being that father will take this nationalism to whole of India. In 2024, religious (Hindu) nationalism will be eradicated and the rule of all nationalities will prevail.”
A. Raja in September 2022 had said “You’re a Shudra till you remain a Hindu. You’re a son of the prostitute till you remain a Shudra. You’re a Panchaman (Dalit) till you remain a Hindu. You’re an untouchable till you remain a Hindu. How many of you wish to stay as children of prostitutes? How many of you wish to remain untouchable? Only if we’re vocal about these questions, it will become elemental in breaking Santhana (Sanatana Dharma)”
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An ancient temple dedicated to Sita Devi located in a remote part of Kalvarayan Hills near the Salem-Kallakurichi border has been in ruins with dilapidated walls and vegetation taking over.
BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Ashvathaman along with a few BJP cadres and Hindu activists went to clean the temple and refurbish it for worship ahead of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple consecration on 22 January 2024.
After cleaning the temple, they had decorated it with flowers and torans (leafy paraphernalia).
However, the BJP leader has alleged that the Tamil Nadu police arrived at the scene following his and other Hindu devotees’ efforts to clean the neglected Sita Devi temple. He said that the police had come to the spot and allegedly cleared off the decorations saying that there can’t be any celebrations at the temple.
According to Ashvathaman, the temple is not under the control of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department.
Taking to social media, the BJP leader slammed the DMK government asking “Is this your dad’s property?”, an apparent jibe at DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin who had used the same language against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier over release of funds for Cyclone Michaung.
“Who are you to prevent the right of Hindus to worship when the Constitution has guaranteed it as a fundamental right!? The Tamil Nadu government is similarly banning the worship of Lord Rama throughout Tamil Nadu. But Sekar Babu claims that it is a hoax. If you want to ban, do it openly. Bharti’s lines come to mind when we see this despicable act of DMK, which is blocking Hindus’ right to worship through the back door without even having the courage to announce it.”, Ashvathaman said.
“No matter what, we will worship Sita Devi tomorrow”, he asserted.
இதெல்லாம் ஒரு பொழப்பா சேகர் பாபு !?
கல்வராயன் மலைக்காடுகளில் கேப்பாரற்று சீதிலமடைந்து இருந்த சீதா தேவி கோவிலை கண்டறிந்து சுத்தம் செய்து, நாளை ஶ்ரீ ராமருக்கு பிரானபிரதிஸ்டை செய்யப்படுகிற நேரத்தில் சீதா தேவியை பூஜை செய்து வணங்குவதற்கு ஏற்பாடுகள் செய்துள்ளோம் .
As the entire nation eagerly anticipates the consecration of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024, a report from the Tamil news daily Dinamalar has left devotees dismayed. According to the report, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu allegedly issued unofficial verbal orders to prohibit Annadanam (free food) and other special poojas in temples marking the ceremony.
The issue also came to spotlight when devotees in Then Thiruperai were denied police permission to hold bhajans and special poojas at the Perumal temple. It is pertinent to note that Then Thiruperai is considered one of the ‘Nava Thirupathi’ and is located in Thoothukudi (DMK MP Kanimozhi’s constituency).
In the above letter, BJP functionary Mari Duraisamy and one Revathi Selvakrishnan had asked permission from the local police for special poojas and bhajan programmes to be held at the Then Thirupperai Perumal Temple.
The police denied permission saying three reasons:
permission (from police) should’ve been sought 15 days before
since temple is ‘owned’ by HR&CE department, permission letter from them should’ve also been taken which was not done
since there is a law & order issue in Srivaikuntam region, Section 30(2) of CrPC is in effect
The police have stated that strict action would be taken against those who violate and hold the events at the temple.
After Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the DMK government, the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P. Sekarbabu called it ‘rumours’ and an attempt to deflect people’s attention from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s DMK Youth Wing conference. The DMK Minister said that no such orders have been given by the government.
However, BJP Tamil Nadu head K. Annamalai released proofs of police denying permission at several places for special poojas and events at the temples.
For instance, the Sri Maha Periyava Anusha Natshatra Baktha Sabha (SMPANB) had written a letter to the Executive Officer of the HR&CE Department in Vellore seeking permission to conduct bhajans at the Sri Godhandaramar Temple in Rangapuram. The event was scheduled to place on 22 January 2024 from 7 AM to 1 PM aligning with the time of the consecration at Ayodhya. The event had been organized with the blessings and guidance of Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. The SMPANB had sought the HR&CE Department in the letter.
However, the officials of the HR&CE department had allegedly communicated verbally to ‘reconsider the event’ due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
In a letter to Malaivasan, the Executive Officer of HR&CE department in Vellore, the SMPANB commuincated saying “As per our recent conversation, you verbally communicated the need to reconsider the event due to unforeseen circumstances. We would like to formally inform you that the Bhajans event stands canceled and no activities associated with this event will take place on the mentioned date. In the event that any unauthorized gathering or function occurs t Sri Godhandaramar Temple in Rangapuram on 22 January 2024, using our name of organization, I want to explicitly state that we disclaim any responsibility for such activities. We have taken all necessary measures to communicate the cancellation, and any such activities are not endorsed or organized by us.”
In another incident, Murali Reddiyar, the Principal of Sriram High School in Omandur was served a notice by the Kiliyanur Police Station regarding a special programme arranged at the school in which 2000 members of the public were to participate for the Ram Janmabhoomi Pran Pratishta ceremony.
“It looks like you’re about to celebrate the consecration of Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya by inviting 2000 members of the public at the school located in Omandur village in which you work as principal, which falls under the Kiliyanur Police Station limits. In our investigation, we found that you have not obtained the required permission from the District Collector or an appropriate court. Hence you should be informed through this notice that the Kiliyanur Police has denied permission to hold the event. If the event happens in violation and any untoward events happen, we inform you that you will be held responsible.“, the notice reads.
In Kanyakumari, a BJP functionary had sought permission from police to publicize about the Ram Janmabhoomi temple consecration through loudspeaker attached vehicles on 20 and 21 January 2024 which was also denied on the grounds that there was lack of information about the places in which it will be carried out. Another reason mentioned was that the region had a large number of Muslim and Christian population and hence could lead to communal violence. It further stated that the Mandaikadu region has a high population of Christians and till date there is issue between the Hindus and Christians in that region.
The DMK government in TN has taken their Anti-Sanathana Dharma stand to an extreme level by imposing a blanket ban on conducting special pooja and Annadhana in Temples during Pran Prathikshtha in Ayodhya.
These instances where highlighted by Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai in an X post slamming the DMK government for hoodwinking the public.
“The DMK government in TN has taken their Anti-Sanathana Dharma stand to an extreme level by imposing a blanket ban on conducting special pooja and Annadhana in Temples during Pran Prathikshtha in Ayodhya. The HR&CE department has denied permissions verbally & the TN Police department has been citing frivolous reasons for rejecting the request to telecast the programme live on a large LED screen that @BJP4TamilNadu & other organisations have arranged for the benefit of the devotees. Tamil Nadu, a place of historical significance during Ramayana, has now been shadowed by shallow-minded administrators of the state. The HR&CE Minister has now reversed his decision after his misadventure blows back in his face. We wish to inform the HR&CE Minister that the temples in TN are not the property of the Gopalapuram Family to impose regulations to suit your defunct propaganda. Tomorrow, cadres of @BJP4TamilNadu, along with the people of Tamil Nadu, will perform Special poojas and Bhajans in the glory of Bhagwan Shri Ram in all the Temples in TN to celebrate the historic Pran Pratikshtha in Ayodhya.“, Annamalai said in a tweet.
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As the entire nation eagerly anticipates the consecration of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024, a report from the Tamil news daily Dinamalar has left devotees dismayed. According to the report, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu allegedly issued unofficial verbal orders to prohibit Annadanam (free food) and other special poojas in temples marking the ceremony.
The issue also came to spotlight when devotees in Then Thiruperai were denied police permission to hold bhajans and special poojas at the Perumal temple. It is pertinent to note that Then Thiruperai is considered one of the ‘Nava Thirupathi’ and is located in Thoothukudi (DMK MP Kanimozhi’s constituency).
After Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the DMK government, the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P. Sekarbabu called it ‘rumours’ and an attempt to deflect people’s attention from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s DMK Youth Wing conference. The DMK Minister said that no such orders have been given by the government.
Recently regarding this Arjun Sampath the head of Indu Makkal Katchi (Hindu People’s Party) spoke to Arasiyal Thelivoam’s YouTube channel regarding the alleged ban on special temple rituals by the DMK government on the occasion of the inauguration of the Ram Temple on 22 January 2024.
Arjun Sampath explained that Then Thiruperai is one of the Nava Thirupathi, and holds historical significance, especially during the 22 January Pran Prathista, aligning with Ayodhya’s events. Apparently, officials of the HR&CE department prevented the residents from performing bhajans, not only at this location but also at the Then Thiruperai Siva temple and the Kurankani Muthumallai Amman temple.
Arjun Sampath explained that the Kurangani Muthumallai Amman temple, derives its name from monkeys lining up during the Ramayana period and is also connected to the discovery of Sita Devi’s jewels.
“Yes, Kurangani Muthumallai Amman temple means (Kurangu-Monkeys Ani- in line) monkeys stood lined up. In Ramayana period to go to Lanka, because Ram’s monkey troops lined up and Sita devi’s jewels were discovered here so the Muthu Maalai (Pearl Necklace) and so the Muthu Malai temple is connected to Ramayana.”, Arjun Sampath said.
He further stated that the HR&CE, led by Minister Sekar Babu in Tamil Nadu under Chief Minister MK Stalin, has verbally and in writing some places instructed that special poojas should not be conducted in these temples. This has been perceived by the people as an affront to spirituality and an attempt to undermine Sanadhan Dharma. The government’s interference is seen as a severe inconvenience for devotees, and urged immediate intervention by Sekar Babu.
“Now on these all temple HR&CE and its administration Sekar Babu is the minister for it and Tamil Nadu government MK Stalin is the Chief Minister.They today through verbally in some areas through writing in some special poojas should not be conducted and banned.Among the people and devotees, this is the government is against spirituality, to destroy Sanadhana Dharma from the point of view HR&CE is been administered so this is some much torture for the devotees this is completely wrong. Because of this in the entire Tamilnadu there has been displeasure immediately Sekar Babu should intervene”.
He further added that Government officers should not act arbitrarily; their role is to facilitate the convenience of devotees. Many towns and states have declared holidays for similar occasions, and Tamil Nadu should follow suit. The HR&CE, through Sekar Babu, has announced a special darshan for those going to Ayodhya, but simultaneously, they are threatening people and banning traditional events in temples, raising questions about fairness.
He questioned the contradictory that “Do officers work at their own disposal? The officers cannot decide what poojas are performed their objective is to work for the convenience of the devotees. Many towns in many states have declared a holiday central government has announced leave up to the afternoon 2. Tamil Nadu government should announce a public holiday and through HR&CE already Sekar Babu has announced this ‘We will arrange special darshan to people who go to Ayodhya’. But here HR&CE department threatening people usually in the thiruperai temple if we pay the fee for the mandapam they will allocate the place in there thirupavai thiruvempavai contests will happen every year. Banning all these is fair in what way? So in all places we will protest in a democratic and truthful way. HR&CE department should not do this kind of anarchy!”
He finally said that the EO and HR&CE officers’ behavior, calling archakars, threatening devotees, and batachariyars not to perform special poojas, is deemed unfair. “If the situation continues, we will escalate our actions, bringing the Chief Minister and HR&CE Minister into the spotlight. The HR&CE commissioner must reconsider and withdraw their directives; otherwise, severe repercussions may follow, ultimately damaging the government’s reputation.” Arjun Sampath said.
“EO, HR&CE officer calling the archakas, threatening devotees, and batachariyars saying you should not perform any special poojas… what way it is fair? If the situation in these famous temples connected to Ramayana’s is like this … this is so Anti-Hindu and the motive of HR&CE is erroneous”
He warned “We will take further steps, this is so shocking for us particularly we will bring the view of the chief minister and HR&CE minister if the HR&CE commissioner has directed regarding this. immediately they should take back or else severe reactions particularly from the government will suffer damage later on”
*தென்திருப்பேரையில் இராம நாம பஜனைக்கு தடை – அறநிலையத் துறையின் அராஜகம்.. அர்ஜுன் சம்பத் கடும் எச்சரிக்கை பேட்டி..* வீடியோ பார்க்க Link..👇🏻👇🏻https://t.co/4rXqMr3pdI
There were reports of “unofficial verbal orders” that explicitly prohibited any temple under the ambit of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department from conducting special prayers & poojas, offering Annadanam, or organizing related programs on 22 January 2024. This move sparked considerable dissatisfaction among the devotees.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to her X handle to criticise this alleged move by the TN government. She wrote, “TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE-managed temples, no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed. Police are stopping privately held temples also from organising events. They are threatening organisers that they will rip off pandals. Strongly condemn this anti-Hindu, hateful action. Heart-breaking scenes in several parts of TN. People are threatened for organising #bhajans, feeding the poor, celebrating with sweets even as we wish to watch Hon. PM Narendra Modi participate in #Ayodhya. Cable TV operators are told that there is a likely power shutdown during the live telecast. This is I.N.D.I Alliance partner DMK’s anti-Hindu efforts. TN govt is unofficially claiming law and order issues to justify the live telecast ban. False and fake narrative! There was no L&O issues on the day of #Ayodhya verdict. Not even the day when PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation, in any part of the country. The groundswell and the voluntary participation of people to celebrate #ShriRam in TN has rattled the anti-Hindu #DMK.”
TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE managed temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed. Police are stopping privately held temples also… pic.twitter.com/G3tNuO97xS
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief Annamalai also posted on his X handle. He wrote, “The nation is in a state of celebration after the inauguration of Lord Rama’s idol in Ayodhya by our honourable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi. Irrespective of caste and religion, all people welcome this auspicious day. Ahead of this day, which all the people of the country have been looking forward to for many years, special pujas and charitable works including annadanam are being held in all the temples across the country. In this situation, it seems that the DMK government, which is engaged in anti-Hindu activities in the name of running a secular government, has banned special pujas and food offerings in Tamil Nadu temples. What right does the DMK government have to interfere in temple practices? Apart from that, it is said that the police should not hold any programme on behalf of the temple administration or the public in Tamil Nadu in view of the installation of the statue of Sri Ram and should not broadcast live through a big screen for the public to see. Temples in Tamil Nadu belong to devotees. I would like to remind you that the DMK government has no right to interfere unnecessarily in the temple procedures or to interfere with the worship practices. People of other faiths will not want to prevent the fundamental right of Hindus from worshiping in temples. Who is the DMK government trying to satisfy in this divisive effort? I urge DMK to give up its petty activities of pissing off Hindu people once a month. Disregarding DMK’s ban, I would like to inform you that for the Ayodhya Sri Ram temple festival, special pujas and charity work including annadanam will continue in Tamil Nadu temples.”
நாளைய தினம் அயோத்தியில் ஸ்ரீராமர் திருவுருவச் சிலை, நமது மாண்புமிகு பாரதப் பிரதமர் திரு @narendramodi அவர்களால் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்யப்படுவதை அடுத்து, நாடே விழாக்கோலம் பூண்டுள்ளது. சாதி மத வேறுபாடின்றி, மக்கள் அனைவரும் இந்த புண்ணிய தினத்தை வரவேற்கின்றனர். பல ஆண்டு காலமாக நாட்டு மக்கள்…
Following this outrage from all sections of Tamil Nadu, some news channels carried a news item quoting “Secretariat sources”. The news card reads, “News is spreading on social media that the Tamil Nadu government has banned special pujas in temples in the name of Ram. No such notification has been issued” .
Additionally, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department minster PK Sekar Babu posted on his X handle that, “A planned rumour is being spread to divert the DMK Youth Conference, which is going on in full swing in Salem. The HR&CE Department has not imposed any restrictions on devotees to perform pooja in the name of Ram, give food or offer prasad in temples in Tamil Nadu. It is regrettable that people like Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, who are in a high position, are spreading this completely untrue and intentional false news!”
