The Hindu Munnani has issued a strong condemnation of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister Sekar Babu, accusing him of concealing the true history of Tamil Nadu’s temples. In a fiery statement, the organization criticized the Minister for his recent remarks in the Assembly, alleging that his speech displayed a lack of awareness regarding the historical damage inflicted on the state’s temples by various invaders.
In the statement issued by Hindu Munnani, “Minister Sekar Babu stated in the Assembly that Tamil Nadu is abundant with temples because Tamils regard temples not as centers of conflict but as art. He added that to become a minister, one must be a devoted follower of the Chief Minister, implying that no particular qualification is needed. Sekar Babu, unaware of the historical damage inflicted upon Tamil Nadu’s temples by encroachers, Mughals, and the British, spoke without this knowledge. For instance, the Chenna Malleeswarar and Chenna Kesava Perumal temples were demolished by the British to build Fort George, in the same assembly area where he spoke.”
It further added, “The Kannika Parameswari temple near the Madras High Court was also demolished by the British, who were met with dignified resistance from Hindus. These local temples are integral to Chennai’s identity. Similarly, the Kapaleeswarar temple, originally located by the sea in Mylapore, Chennai, was demolished to make way for Santhome St. Thomas Church, leading to the construction of the current temple thereafter. History is replete with instances of British and other religious fanatics destroying many such temples. If Minister Sekar Babu was aware of the temples’ histories and their rebuilding by Hindus, he might reconsider his statements.”
It also highlighted, “The Jalakandeswarar temple in Vellore suffered under religious fanatics like the Mughals, Tipu Sultan, and Hyder Ali, leaving Vellore without a Shivalinga for 400 years until 1981, when Hindus, led by Hindu Munnani founder Aiya Veerathuravi Ramagopalan, restored it. Similarly, the temple at Gingee fort was reinstalled after years of encroachment.”
Hindu Munnani stated, “During Tipu Sultan’s invasion, the idol from the Abirami hill temple in Dindigul was removed by miscreants, and Hindus are still striving to restore it. Minister Sekar Babu may also be unaware of the historical closure of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Srirangam for 40 years due to Mughal occupation, later recaptured by the armies of Kampanna Wodeyar of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Meenakshi Amman temple still has a desecrated Linga from the Mughal period, among other historical details.”
Hindu munnani accused DMK, “The DMK, under whom hundreds of temples have been demolished since coming to power, is accused of hiding many historical facts from Tamils. The party is criticized for not demolishing places of worship of other religions under similar circumstances, reflecting an alleged bias against Hindus. There exists a list of 300 temples demolished by Mughal invaders in Tamil Nadu, which were replaced by mosques or dargahs.”
Hindu Munnani urged Minister Sekar Babu and the Chief Minister not to hide these truths. They said, “If temples were truly regarded as art, they would not have been demolished and neglected. The Minister is called to halt temple demolitions, restore the Gods in the Abhirami hill in Dindigul, and take action against those systematically destroying Tamil Nadu’s temples, ensuring justice and deterring anti-social elements.”
Hindu Munnani concluded reminding Minister Sekar Babu of the devotion of Tamil kings, Palayakkarars, and others who resisted religious fanatical invaders, preserving Tamil Nadu’s temples and urged him to ensure the protection and sanctity of these temples.
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