Tensions flared at the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple as local residents clashed with authorities over the temple administration’s controversial decision to impose fees of ₹200-500 for accessing traditional worship routes.
The controversy arose after the temple administration set up special barriers along the main path used by locals for darshan (worship) and introduced a fee of ₹200 and ₹500 for entry through these routes. This new policy has forced many locals to abandon their traditional path and pay if they wish to view the deity up close — a move that has triggered significant resentment in the community.
Protesters say they have been following their traditional routines — especially on auspicious occasions like weddings, birthdays, Amavasya, and Pradosham — for generations. The administration’s decision to prohibit their entry through the longstanding path is viewed as unfair and discriminatory.
While the administration maintains that free darshan is still available through a separate path, locals say this disregards their longstanding practices and traditions. After repeated appeals fell on deaf ears, political parties and civic groups also came forward today to support the locals’ cause.
Police intervened to keep the protest from turning aggressive, arresting more than 100 people and strengthening their presence at all four main entrances of the temple. This heavy police deployment aims to ease tensions and avoid further escalation, even as the controversy shows no sign of resolution.
Pilgrims from both nearby villages and other parts of the country continue to arrive to pay their respects, adding urgency to the ongoing dispute over access to their place of worship.
TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of AMMK, criticized the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for imposing a ₹200 fee on locals for darshan at Rameswaram’s Ramanathaswamy Temple. Traditionally, locals used a special path for free darshan, but now they’re forced to pay due to a new policy enforced by the Joint Commissioner of HR&CE. This decision triggered strong opposition from locals alleging violation of their religious rights. Dhinakaran demanded the withdrawal of the fee, stating it unfairly restricts access for locals and disregards longstanding traditions at the historic shrine.
Tiruvannamalai Chaos
Earlier in June 2025, tensions rose at Tiruvannamalai’s Arunachaleshwarar Temple after locals alleged unfair treatment and chaos during darshan. The administration’s new ₹50 paid darshan system, alongside brokers charging up to ₹1,000 and preferential access for devotees from Andhra Pradesh, ignited disquiet among locals. Security was poor, causing scuffles and injuries, while many locals said they hadn’t been able to worship there for years due to long queues and overcrowding. Residents demanded an end to the paid darshan, action against brokers, and equal treatment for all devotees, arguing that the current approach disregarded their traditional rights and disrupted the sanctity of the shrine.
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