In a controversial move that has drawn significant criticism, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, aided by police, disrupted the ‘Annadhanam’ (food offering) service at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai. This disruption occurred as numerous devotees were queued to receive their meals. The incident was captured on video, which quickly spread across social media and incited a strong reaction from the Hindu community.
Annadhanam, a practice where food is provided to devotees and the less fortunate as part of temple rituals, has been a daily tradition at this temple, which is dedicated to the Tamil saint Pamban Swamigal, who is enshrined in Jeeva Samadhi. For over three decades, the temple has maintained this practice as a crucial part of its spiritual offerings.
On 2 September 2024, HR&CE officials with law enforcement support, abruptly halted the food distribution. The viral footage depicts frustrated devotees protesting against the officials’ actions, accusing them of disrupting a long-held tradition. The footage also shows workers removing food vessels and carts under the officials’ orders.
The sudden halt to the Annadhanam distribution has faced intense backlash. Many devotees voiced their frustration, pointing out that Annadhanam had been a longstanding practice at the temple without any prior issues. The incident, captured on video, shows devotees confronting HR&CE officials, accusing them of showing disrespect and acting unethically by disrupting a charitable activity while hundreds waited for their food.
The HR&CE department defended their decision by citing concerns about food safety and the need for certification from food security authorities for food distribution in temples and public spaces. Critics, however, argue that similar regulations were not enforced during Ramzan or Christmas events, leading to claims of discrimination against Hindu temple practices.
The controversy has ignited outrage on social media, with many users criticizing the HR&CE department’s actions and accusing the ruling Dravidian party, DMK, of being anti-Hindu. Numerous Hindu activists and devotees have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction.
Critics on social media questioned why Tamil Nadu voters continue to support the DMK government, while others accused the administration of attempting to “destroy Sanatana Dharma” in the state. Some commented, “On one side, they host a Lord Murugan conference to deceive Hindus, and on the other, they undermine Sanatan Dharma.” Another user, labeled the incident as a deliberate effort to dismantle Hindu traditions in Tamil Nadu.
Many users highlighted instances where the DMK government had imposed restrictions on religious activities at Hindu temples, such as denying special poojas and Prasad distribution despite court orders. They also pointed out that similar restrictions were not applied to non-Hindu activities, such as namaz and Bible readings in Hindu temples, which were overlooked by authorities.
The DMK government, under which the HR&CE department operates, has faced criticism for its stringent regulations on temple practices, especially concerning food distribution. Officials have defended these measures as necessary to prevent food contamination and protect devotees’ safety. However, many Hindus perceive these actions as a deliberate attempt to limit temple traditions.
The suspension of Annadhanam at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple has left many devotees frustrated and disappointed, with those who had waited for hours ending up empty-handed. The incident has sparked broader concerns about religious freedom and the extent of government intervention in temple affairs in Tamil Nadu.
As the video of the incident continues to spread, there is increasing pressure on the HR&CE department to clarify its actions. Hindu activists and devotees are likely to intensify their protests, demanding that traditional practices, including Annadhanam, be allowed to proceed without disruption.
அன்னதானத்தை தடுத்த அறநிலையத்துறை? Viral video | Hindu Temple | Thiruvanmiyur | Chennai | Tamilnadu#Chanakyaa #hindutemple #thiruvanmiyur #chennai #tamilnadu #tngovernment #hrce #sekarbabu pic.twitter.com/JIo7kjCz52
— சாணக்யா (@ChanakyaaTv) September 2, 2024
About Pamban Swamigal
Pamban Swamigal, a revered 19th-century Tamil Hindu saint, is celebrated for his devotional hymns and poetry dedicated to Lord Muruga. His extensive following, numbering in the lakhs both within India and internationally, frequently visits his Jeeva Samadhi at the Sri Pamban Kumara Gurudasar Temple. The practice of Annadhanam at the temple, a key aspect of its activities, serves both devotees and the less fortunate.
Recently, the HR&CE department, responsible for managing the temple, has faced backlash from Pamban Swamigal’s followers due to a contentious Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) held on 12 July 2024. Despite objections from groups such as the Saiva Siddhanta Perumandram, which argued that the ceremony conflicted with Pamban Swamigal’s wishes, the HR&CE department proceeded with the event in accordance with traditional Agama rituals. The temple’s Annadhanam practice continued until it was abruptly halted on 2 September 2024.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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