A major controversy has erupted in Mamallapuram following the commencement of construction for a multi-3D theatre by the Tourism Department on land belonging to the historic Arulmigu Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. The Hindu Munnani, a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, has raised serious concerns about the project’s impact on the temple and surrounding heritage sites.
In a tweet, the Hindu Munnani alleged that the construction is being carried out in a manner that obscures the view of the temple and potentially damages the ancient Arjuna Penance sculpture, a significant cultural artifact. “The construction of a multi-3D theatre by the Tourism Department has commenced on the land belonging to Arulmigu Sthalasayana Perumal Temple in Mamallapuram. These constructions have been started in such a way that they hide the temple and damage the historic Arjuna Penance sculpture and desecrate the sanctity,” the tweet stated.
The organization also highlighted that the project had not received proper authorization from the Archaeological Department, leading to public protests and a temporary suspension of the construction work. “The work has been temporarily suspended due to protests by the public and Hindu Munnani as proper permission was not obtained from the Archaeological Department,” the tweet continued.
Adding to the criticism, the Hindu Munnani pointed out that many parks and facilities under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Department in Mamallapuram are currently locked and poorly maintained. This has raised questions about the department’s priorities and management practices.
The Hindu Munnani has accused the HR&CE Department, which is tasked with the upkeep and development of temples, of potentially colluding with the Tourism Department in a manner that undermines the temple’s sanctity. “Is the HR&CE Department, which is supposed to work for the development of the temple, colluding with the Tourism Department and trying to desecrate the temple? Therefore, the Hindu Munnani urges that the project be abandoned immediately,” the organization asserted.
மாமல்லபுரத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள அருள்மிகு ஸ்தலசயன பெருமாள் திருக்கோவிலுக்கு சொந்தமான நிலத்தில் சுற்றுலாத் துறை சார்பில் மல்டி 3d தியேட்டர் அமைப்பதற்கான கட்டுமானங்கள் தொடங்கப்பட்டன. இந்த கட்டுமானங்கள் கோவிலை மறைக்கும் விதமாகவும் அங்குள்ள வரலாற்று சிறப்புமிக்க அர்ஜுனன் தபசு சிற்பத்தை… pic.twitter.com/y9tAWN6j7R
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) May 28, 2024
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