Chennai’s iconic Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore is at the center of a new controversy once again after a video surfaced showing an unidentified Muslim woman wearing a hijab filming around the temple’s prakaram (outer walkway) for several hours. The footage quickly went viral, sparking strong reactions from Hindu activists who have condemned the incident. They have raised concerns about the temple’s security and questioned the efficiency of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) officials. Activists fear that such actions could pose a potential threat to the sanctity and safety of Hindu places of worship.
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The Hindu Munnani has filed a formal complaint against the unidentified Muslim woman who was filmed taking photos and videos of the Kapaleeswarar Temple premises while wearing a hijab. However, they claim that no action has been taken so far. In response, the Hindu Munnani has issued a strong condemnation of the authorities’ inaction.
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In a statement, the organization said, “On behalf of the Hindu Munnani, we lodged a complaint with the HRCE officials at Kapaleeswarar Temple and the Mylapore Police. Take action! Take action! The Government of Tamil Nadu take action on HRCE department. Don’t sleep charity department..”
“A Muslim woman wearing hijab took photos and videos of the temple yesterday in Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai. How did they allow people of other religions to enter the temple and why did the security personnel fail to stop her? A few months ago, a Christian woman was seen sitting inside the temple reading the Bible. They have even placed the image of Mary and the cross near the flagpole. Muslim men have been spotted around the temple with their religious symbols.” The statement further questioned.
“If the charity department says that they are not able to provide proper security to the temple after taking salary from the temple income, then the charity department should leave the temple. Charity Department which has not filed a single complaint with the police despite all the wrongdoings, how can you protect our temples? We point out that Hindus themselves will not hesitate to directly guard the temple if the authorities are negligent in guarding the temple.” It warned.
The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore has been embroiled in controversy on several occasions in the past. This latest incident is not the first of its kind. Previously, there have been multiple incidents that have raised concerns. For instance, a Muslim woman wearing a hijab was seen praying inside the temple premises. On another occasion, a Christian missionary woman was spotted reading ‘Paava Arikkai’ praying for the forgiveness of Hindus their mode of worship within the temple as “false” and “sinful,” while seeking forgiveness from her “One True Lord. Additionally, there have been reports of a Christian marriage being conducted within the temple grounds, further fueling the controversy.
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