The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticized DMK’s Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Sekar Babu, for failing to take action regarding the damaged sacred flagpole at the Agastheeswarar Temple in Villivakkam. The flagpole, which is an important part of the temple, has been broken, and the temple administration has been using ropes to keep it upright.
The Agastheeswarar Temple, over a thousand years old, is rich in history and legend, with many believing it was constructed by the Cholas, possibly under the reign of Kulothunga Chola. Originally named Vilvavanam, meaning “forest of Vilvam trees,” the area later became known as Villivakkam. The sacred Vilvam tree, believed to possess both medicinal and spiritual significance, is integral to the temple. Tradition holds that Sage Agasthya himself planted the tree here, and it remains sacred, with its leaves used in daily puja rituals by the priests.
The temple venerates Lord Shiva as Agastheeswarar Swamy and the Divine Mother Shakti as Swarnambikai. According to legend, during the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailas, Sage Agasthya was in the south performing Shiva Puja at this temple. As he worshiped here, he became honored as Agastheeswarar. Goddess Parvati, adorned with golden ornaments during the celestial marriage, is honored here as Swarnambikai.
However, the failure to repair the temple’s damaged flagpole in the past six months has left devotees disappointed. The Agastheeswarar Temple in Villivakkam, which is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, is currently undergoing the construction of a new five-tiered Rajagopuram at a cost of ₹ 2.15 crore.
The flagpole, which was damaged during the last Aadi month festival, has been tied with rope at the base but has not been properly repaired. Devotees have expressed dissatisfaction that the flagpole has been neglected while the construction of the costly new gopuram continues.
Villivakkam residents have raised concerns, noting that the flagpole is a significant symbol not only for the Agastheeswarar Temple but for all temples. Devotees typically offer prayers under the flagpole before proceeding to the Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam to reach the sanctum. The delay in repairing the flagpole, which has now remained damaged for six months, is causing frustration among the community.
In response, the temple administration acknowledged the damage and explained that steps have been taken to repair it. A letter seeking approval for the repairs was sent to the Commissioner of HR&CE a month ago, after consulting experts and relevant officials. The repair work will commence once the necessary permissions are granted.
The Hindu Munnani has sharply criticized the officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and DMK Minister Sekar Babu, via their official X account that, “In Villivakkam, the famous Agatheeswarar temple flagpole, which is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, was damaged six months ago. As a result, the lower part of the flagpole has been tied with rope. The flagpole is very important in Hindu temples. Even if the officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, who have become a gang of robbers, do not understand this, it is very painful that Minister Sekar Babu, who brags about protecting the temple property and spirituality, does not understand this either. Like the saying, ‘Does a crow know about the disease of an ox?’, “Does the anti-Hindu Dravidian government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department understand the sanctity of the temple??” Minister Sekar Babu should show at least a little interest in protecting the temple, as he is involved in various types of extortion in name of fee from devotees and gold smelting during festivals. Otherwise, the people will not forgive him in the coming elections, and Mahesan will not forgive him in the final days.”
வில்லிவாக்கத்தில், இந்து அறநிலையத்துறை கட்டுப்பாட்டில் உள்ள புகழ்பெற்ற அகத்தீஸ்வரர் கோவில் கொடிமரம் கடந்த ஆறு மாதங்களுக்கு முன் சேதமடைந்தது. இதனால், கொடிமரம் நிற்கும் கீழ்ப்பகுதியை, கயிறால் கட்டி வைத்துள்ளனர். இந்து ஆலயங்களில் கொடிமரம் மிக முக்கியமானது. கொள்ளைக்கார கூட்டமாகிப்போன… pic.twitter.com/R5ZsLYJEF8
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 24, 2025
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.