In yet another tragic incident at Palani’s Dandayuthapani Swami Temple in Dindigul District, devotees from Edappadi and Erode who visited Swamy temple for darshan were allegedly dragged and beaten by temple authorities and guards on duty.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, it is alleged that the temple administration had arranged a special route for Erode devotees to carry Kavadi. The altercation arose when Edappadi devotees, overtaking due to a long waiting period, attempted to enter the temple through a special route designated for Erode devotees carrying Kavadi.
It was alleged that Chandran, a devotee from Edappadi, was reportedly dragged, beaten, and suffered a fractured skull by the temple guards and authorities.
Both Chandran and his son who were injured in this incident were admitted to the Palani Hills Temple hospital and are undergoing treatment. In this situation over 500 Edappadi devotees protested, demanding action against the security guards involved.
The temple authorities assured suspension of those responsible, leading some protestors to disperse, while others remained adamant until the security guards faced consequences.
#NewsUpdates | பக்தர் மீது தாக்குதல் – பழனி கோயிலில் போராட்டம்#Protest | #PalaniTemple | #Temple | #police | #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/WTkhZZgPZd
— News Tamil 24×7 | நியூஸ் தமிழ் 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 30, 2024
Earlier in 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.
பழனி முருகன் கோவிலில் செல்போன் கொண்டு வரும் முருக பக்தர்களிடம் செல்போன்களை பிடுங்கி ₹1000 கொடுத்தால் தான் செல்போன் திருப்பி கொடுக்கப்படும் என்று அறநிலையத் துறை அதிகாரிகள் அத்துமீறல். 😡
கோவிலுக்கு வரும் பக்தர்களிடம் பணம் சுரண்ட தான் அறநிலையத் துறையா ? 😡#DMKFailsTN pic.twitter.com/opeDvQXSGg
— Karthi 🇮🇳 (@SaffronSurge3) January 16, 2024
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 is prohibited on the hilltop temple premises.
மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி மறுப்பு.. அத்துமீறும் அறநிலையத்துறை..
அருள்மிகு தண்டாயுதபாணி சாமி திருக்கோயில் பழனியில் மலையின் மேல் மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி இல்லை என்று இணை ஆணையாளர் லட்சுமி அவர்கள் கூறியுள்ளார்.
பல குடும்பங்களின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை பாதிக்கும் இந்த செயலை கண்டித்து விரைவில்… pic.twitter.com/ldAWixrV5I
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 4, 2024
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