In a move that has sparked opposition from locals, the DMK government is facing criticism for its proposal to acquire approximately 70 acres of land in Vadalur plains to construct the ‘Vallalar International Research Centre.’ The region, known for drawing lakhs of devotees globally, has raised concerns among the people who argue that building the center in this revered space would significantly impact those attending Jyoti Darshan.
The controversy unfolded as residents expressed their objections to the government’s decision, asserting that while they don’t oppose the construction of the research center itself, its location in Vadalur plains would disrupt the spiritual practices, including monthly puja and the special Thaipusam worship. The area, encompassing 100 acres, was generously donated by locals to Vallalar for the specific purpose of facilitating the gathering of devotees for spiritual events like Thaipusam.
Vallalar, renowned for propagating the spiritual doctrine of reconciliation and pure righteousness, acquired the vast land not merely for personal gain but with the noble intention of providing a space where devotees could convene without hindrance to witness the divine Arudperum Jyoti (sacred light) during Thaipusam.
Locals state that on the eve of Thaipusam, nearly 15 lakh devotees start converging on the Vadalur plains for Jyoti worship, and the subsequent days witness significant gatherings for spiritual events.
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary and Leader of Opposition, Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi Palanisami released a press note stating the significance of the saint Vallalaar and his relevance in the Tamil society and condemning the actions of the DMK government.
உலகம் முழுவதில் இருந்தும் லட்சக்கணக்கில் பக்தர்கள் கூடும் வடலூர் பெருவெளியில், சுமார் 70 ஏக்கர் பரப்பளவு கொண்ட நிலத்தை கையகப்படுத்தி 'வள்ளலார் சர்வதேச ஆய்வு மையத்தை’ கட்டுவதற்கு இந்த விடியா திமுக அரசு முனைந்துள்ளது. இதனை அறிந்த அப்பகுதி மக்கள் தங்களது எதிர்ப்பை அரசுக்கு… pic.twitter.com/2N5vickl4B
— Edappadi K Palaniswami (@EPSTamilNadu) December 14, 2023
The news of the DMK government’s plan to establish the ‘Vallalar International Research Centre’ has triggered concerns about the potential disruption of sacred rituals and worship practices. Villagers, who remain eager to uphold the sanctity of the area, are urging the government to reconsider the choice of location and, if needed, allocate an alternative space for the research center. The sentiments of both the land donors and the multitude of devotees who frequent the area during festivals are at the heart of this unfolding dispute.
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