News Tamil Nadu

Music Maestro Ilaiyaraaja Allegedly Stopped From Entering Artha Mandapam At Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, Dravidianist Media Twist It To Peddle Anti-Hindu Propaganda

December 16, 2024
The Commune

Renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja recently visited the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu, where he was reportedly stopped from entering the Artha Mandapam, a sacred area in front of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with allegations of protocol violations and misinformation circulating in the media.

During his visit, Ilaiyaraaja was received by the temple’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department and offered prayers at the Periya Perumal shrine, the Andal shrine, and the temple’s sacred garden, Nandavanam. However, when he allegedly attempted to enter the Artha Mandapam, temple officials and devotees reportedly stopped him, citing long-standing rules restricting space entry.

Some news channels reported that the Jeeyar himself asked Ilaiyaraja to leave the place. However, the video shared does not clearly indicate whether the Jeeyar explicitly asked Ilaiyaraaja to leave the Artha Mandapa, as the remarks were not audible.

Ilaiyaraaja, however, continued to be accompanied by the Jeeyar into the Sannidhi, where he received a traditional welcome on two separate occasions.

In the footage from various channels, the temple’s Jeeyar Swamigal can be seen paying respects to Ilayaraja not once, but twice, contradicting the rumors. Furthermore, the temple authorities clarified that access to the sanctum sanctorum was restricted not just for Ilayaraja but for everyone else as well, adhering to the temple’s standard practices.

These false claims have drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the intentions behind spreading such misinformation.

At the Srivilliputhur Andal Sannidhi, access to the Artha Mandapam is limited to local priests, Jeeyars, or Madathipadis. The idols of Andal and Rangamannar are permanently seated in a golden mandapa within the Artha Mandapam, further emphasizing the sanctity of the area. Temple authorities clarified that Ilaiyaraaja’s entry appeared to be unintentional, as he was unaware of these restrictions.

Despite the incident, Ilaiyaraaja offered prayers from outside the restricted area and was honored with a garland by the temple priests. He later left the temple after completing his visit.

The event has triggered heated debates, with some media outlets spreading allegations of protocol breaches, while others accuse Tamil Nadu news media of malicious reporting alleging that the Jeeyars associated with the temple reportedly voiced strong objections during the incident.

Ilaiyaraaja’s visit was part of preparations for an upcoming event at the temple, where he is set to participate in the release of music he composed for Thiruppavai and the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. This event, scheduled for 15 December 2024, also featured a Natyanjali performance dedicated to Andal.

The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, known for its intricate Dravidian architecture, holds immense religious and cultural significance as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. It is also revered as the birthplace of Andal and Periyalvar, key figures in Tamil Vaishnavism. Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily, drawn by its rich history and connection to Andal’s devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Neither the temple administration nor the maestro himself have released an official statement on the controversy.

BJP TN leader Ashvathaman posted on his X account that a case can be filed under the Prevention of Atrocities Act against those responsible for spreading false news that the maestro was expelled from the temple/denied entry to a specific location. He wrote, “There is a case to be filed under the Prevention of Atrocities Act against those who spread false news that Ilayaraja was expelled from the temple and was not allowed to enter a specific place. It is better for the relevant media to remove that false news.”

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