News Tamil Nadu

Saree Ads Aired On Temple TV During Panguni Festival At Thiruparankundram Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple

March 20, 2025
The Commune

Devotees were left stunned and upset after witnessing advertisements for a private clothing store, specifically saree ads, on the temple’s TV during the Panguni festival chariot procession at Thiruparankundram Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple by HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) on 19 March 2025. Traditionally, the temple TV broadcasts images of the deity or devotional songs performed by artists during special occasions. However, on this day, the TV displayed saree advertisements, sparking outrage among devotees during the sacred event.

The Panguni festival chariot procession took place on 19 March 2025, at Thiruparankundram. The chariot journeyed around the hill for over four hours, accompanied by a large crowd of devotees. The Tirtha Utsavam was set to take place today. The festivities for Subramania Swamy Utsavam began early at 5:30 am, with special abhishekams performed for Deivanai, who ascended the grand diamond chariot stationed in front of the temple.

Despite the strict dress code enforced under the Temple Entry Act and the Madras High Court‘s ruling in 2015 to prevent devotees from wearing inappropriate clothing—aimed at ensuring that the focus of worship is not disturbed—the HR&CE has now been heavily criticized for disrupting the sanctity of temples. Critics argue that by introducing commercial advertisements within temples, they are transforming places of worship into market spaces, which undermines the sacred environment and should not be allowed. The sanctity of temples, they emphasize, must be preserved and protected from such distractions.

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