The Hindu Munnani has issued a strong statement condemning the management of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, alleging that the current administration is prioritizing monetary gain over the welfare of devotees. The organization has called for significant reforms to address the severe hardships faced by pilgrims.
In its statement, the Hindu Munnani posed a critical question: “Should people wait for VIPs…? Madras High Court questions.. What arrangements are in place to ensure devotees can have darshan without waiting for long hours at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple..? Madras High Court branch orders the temple’s Joint Commissioner to respond… – News
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department continues to face criticism from the court.. Devotees visiting the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple to see Lord Murugan face severe hardship.. Arrangements are made for VIPs to see Murugan in exchange for payment. Poor devotees, despite waiting for hours, are unable to have darshan of Murugan.. Officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department remain indifferent.. If the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, with money as its sole objective, cannot manage the temple, then leave the temple!!”
விஐபி களுக்காக மக்கள் காத்திருக்க வேண்டுமா…?
சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றம் கேள்வி..
திருச்செந்தூர் சுப்பிரமணிய சுவாமி திருக்கோயிலில் பக்தர்கள் நீண்ட நேரம் காத்திருக்காமல் தரிசனம் செய்ய என்ன ஏற்பாடு..? கோயில் இணை ஆணையர் பதிலளிக்க சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்ற கிளை உத்தரவு… – செய்தி
தொடர்ந்து… pic.twitter.com/kRoeP0QAvp
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) October 22, 2025
What Did The Court Say?
The criticism came amid the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court taking serious note of ongoing disputes between bhattars and thirisuthanthirars that have affected devotees’ access to darshan. Hearing a petition filed by 12 thirisuthanthirars seeking enforcement of their traditional rights to perform poojas and other kainkaryams as approved by the Srivaikundam Principal District Munsif Court in 1991, Justice G.R. Swaminathan raised multiple concerns about the functioning of the temple.
The judge questioned whether devotees’ long waiting times were caused by the current queue arrangements and asked if individuals associated with the temple, such as bhattars, thirisuthanthirars, and sthanihars, were taking devotees directly for darshan by bypassing the queue. He sought details on whether identity cards could be issued to such personnel to prevent misuse of access.
Justice Swaminathan also directed the temple administration to respond by 24 October 2025 on whether a dedicated queue system similar to those in Guruvayur and Tirupati could be established, possibly by creating an iron flyover bridge to enable smooth circumambulation. He further asked whether VIP and VVIP darshan interrupts the general queue and, if so, whether the temple would consider earmarking a fixed time for VIPs. The judge also raised questions on whether prasadam distribution, including vibhoothi, was slowing down queue movement and what steps were being taken to improve crowd management and reduce devotees’ waiting time.
The court’s observations add to growing scrutiny of the HR&CE Department’s management of major temples, with repeated judicial criticism over poor arrangements and preferential treatment for paying visitors.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
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