Pilgrims who arrived on foot at the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple for the Thaipusam festival have alleged severe mismanagement and mistreatment by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), leading to widespread distress among padayatra devotees.

Despite Thaipusam being an annual event that draws tens of thousands of devotees, pilgrims alleged that no adequate advance arrangements were made by the HR&CE administration. Only a limited number of police personnel were reportedly deployed, leaving authorities unable to regulate the swelling crowds. Devotees said that even when crowd pressure intensified and people were pushed against one another, officials failed to intervene effectively.

Several devotees, speaking on camera, accused the administration of allowing preferential access while ordinary pilgrims were made to wait for hours without basic facilities. One devotee alleged that entry was being granted after collecting money under the guise of stickers, while others were denied access. “They put a sticker on our (padayatra devotees) wrist, but they collect money and let people in. But here, we are not allowed,” a pilgrim said.

Others complained of the lack of basic amenities. “For 12 hours, they haven’t even provided drinking water,” one devotee said, questioning the preparedness of the authorities.

Pilgrims also alleged discriminatory enforcement of queue norms. “They said everyone should go through the common queue, then why are some allowed to go in freely? We are standing here crushed like cattle. If VIPs go inside, we are left standing outside,” another devotee said, adding that many had walked long distances and were exhausted to the point of fainting.

Some devotees said they were misled by officials at earlier checkpoints. “In Kumarapalayam they told us that showing the token (tag) would allow immediate entry. But when we came here, they made us wait for hours. If we question them, no one responds properly,” a pilgrim said, directly blaming the administration under HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu and alleging that no official came forward to address the crowd.

According to devotees, temple gates were opened late, and even senior citizens were asked to leave the queue after waiting for hours. “They opened the gates only at 1 am. At 2:30 am, even elderly devotees were told there would be no darshan and were sent out,” one pilgrim said, adding that there was still no drinking water or other facilities, even as VIP and special darshan entrants were continuously allowed inside.

Many devotees were eventually seen sitting on the ground due to exhaustion. Questioning the slow pace of entry, one pilgrim remarked, “If they let people in five by five after making everyone sit for an hour, when will darshan happen? We are not here to see a movie actor. We have come to see the Lord. They say abhishekam is going on, that is exactly what we have come for.”

It is noteworthy that the Thaipusam festival in Palani witnessed massive crowds on Sunday, 1 February 2026, as lakhs of devotees from districts including Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Coimbatore, and from states such as Kerala, thronged the town. Many undertook padayatra, carried kavadi and performed alagu piercing, with queues forming from as early as 2 AM to reach the hill temple. With paid darshan cancelled, waiting times stretched to nearly six hours. Despite a one-way system and batch movement, severe congestion occurred, leading to several devotees fainting. Police rescued those who collapsed. Devotees also reported hardship due to inadequate drinking water and toilet facilities.

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The post No Water, Long Waits: Devotees Slam HR&CE Over Thaipusam Arrangements At Tiruchendur Murugan Temple appeared first on The Commune.

The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department for allegedly enabling select individuals to bypass regular queues at the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur by using the Shanmuga Vilasam entrance reportedly through VIP referrals or monetary influence. This has led to growing resentment among the general devotees and even sparked tension between pilgrims and police.

With the temple witnessing unusually high footfall due to a string of holidays including Independence Day, Aadi Krithigai, and Krishna Jayanthi crowd pressure peaked recently. On one day alone, over 1.2 lakh devotees visited the temple. Pilgrims queued from as early as 1 AM, standing in both the general and ₹100 special queues for hours before getting darshan.

However, frustration escalated when around 6:30 AM, a crowd of more than 500 devotees waiting near the Shanmuga Vilasam Mandapam observed a small group being allowed through a newly installed iron gate by security guards. When the rest were denied entry, tempers flared. The crowd reportedly forced open the barricade and surged into the mandapam. Police arrived shortly after and struggled for an extended period to disperse and control the situation.

Reacting on social media, Hindu Munnani condemned the HR&CE’s alleged misuse of the VIP darshan route, posting on X, “Long wait for darshan in Tiruchendur – Devotees protest… Yesterday, while the public was waiting in line for darshan at the Tiruchendur Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, some members of the public noticed that a few people were being let into the temple for darshan through the Shanmuga Vilasam gate. The public demanded that they also be allowed in and attempted to enter the temple by jumping over the barricades. For some time now, there have been regular complaints from the public on social media, often accompanied by videos, alleging that officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department make lakhs of devotees wait in line while only a select few are taken on a separate path for “VIP darshan.”

Yesterday, as people were waiting in line for darshan, they saw some people being allowed into the temple through the Shanmuga Vilasam gate. In response, thousands of people jumped the barricades and attempted to enter the temple, demanding to be allowed in as well. In the ensuing chaos, if anyone had been injured, who would have taken responsibility? A few months ago, a devotee who was waiting in line suffocated to death in this very same Tiruchendur temple. The public is now questioning why the HR&CE department has not taken any action against the individuals who are reportedly accepting money or VIP recommendations to escort a select few for darshan. They are also asking whether the officials themselves are complicit in this practice.

Devotees are asking whether appropriate action will be taken against the HR&CE officials who make devotees wait for hours, causing them hardship and provoking them to protest. Will action be taken against the HR&CE officials who make devotees wait for hours and provoke protests at Tiruchendur? Is it enough for Minister Sekar Babu to be called “Seyal Babu” (Active Babu), or will he actually take action?”

திருச்செந்தூரில் தரிசனத்திற்கு பல மணி நேரம் காத்திருப்பு – பக்தர்கள் போராட்டம்..

நேற்று திருச்செந்தூர் அருள்மிகு சுப்ரமணிய சுவாமி திருக்கோவிலில் தரிசனத்திற்காக பொதுமக்கள் வரிசையில் காத்திருந்தபோது சண்முக விலாசம் வாயில் வழியாக சிலரை கோவில் தரிசனத்திற்கு அனுப்புவதை கண்ட பொதுமக்கள்… pic.twitter.com/HoPDh2VuBM

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) August 17, 2025

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, accusing it of failing to provide even basic amenities for the large number of devotees visiting the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. In a sharply worded statement, the organization called out the department’s negligence, describing the situation as a violation of basic human rights.

திருச்செந்தூரில் சித்திரவதைக்கு உள்ளாகும் பக்தர்கள்..!!
அப்பட்டமான மனித உரிமை மீறல்!!

காலை 6 மணிக்கு வரிசையில் நின்றவர்கள், தற்போது மாலை 3 மணி வரை வரிசையில் நிற்பதாக பக்தர்கள் குமுறல்!!

குடிநீர் வசதி, கழிப்பறை வசதி எதுவுமின்றி கொடுமைப்படுத்தப்படுவதாக பக்தர்கள் வேதனை!!… pic.twitter.com/PY9HzS1IHJ

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) July 18, 2025

Devotees who began queuing as early as 6 AM have reportedly remained in line until well into the afternoon, with little to no access to drinking water or sanitation facilities. The resulting hardships especially for elderly visitors and young children have caused widespread distress, leading to complaints of exhaustion, dehydration, and even fainting.

The HR&CE department, which is responsible for the management of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, has come under fire for allegedly neglecting its duties despite the massive crowds following the recently held consecration ceremony. A viral video circulating online has further inflamed public sentiment, capturing the voices of distressed devotees.

In the video, one devotee can be heard saying, “We’ve been standing here since 6 in the morning. What’s the time now? It’s almost 3 or 4. People have been standing in line for so long. Children are struggling to go to the bathroom. They’re fainting and falling. There’s no water facility, nothing. There’s no food, no proper arrangements at all. When we come and ask the security here, they are keeping their mouth shut. We’ve been struggling for so long, and still nothing. What kind of security is this? They should respond to the people. When we ask, they just say, ‘That’s how we’ll do it, see what you can do.’ How long can people stand there?”

Another individual added, “There’s no drinking water facility upstairs. How many children are fainting and falling? They should answer, shouldn’t they? No one is answering. No one at the temple is answering.”

குடிக்க தண்ணி இல்லை, கழிவறை இல்லை, இன்று திருச்செந்தூரில் சித்ரவதைக்கு உள்ளான பக்தர்கள்

காலை 6மணிக்கு வரிசையில் நின்றவர்கள், மாலை 3மணி வரை நிற்கிறார்கள்

குடிநீர் வசதி கழிப்பறை வசதி எதுவுமின்றி கொடுமைப்படுத்தப்படுவதாக பக்தர்கள் வேதனை.. #DMKFailsTN #TamilnaduBJP @annamalai_k pic.twitter.com/gTb0xNXLRF

— 𝘿𝙐𝙍𝘼𝙄 𝘽𝘼𝘽𝙐 𝙎𝙐𝘽𝙍𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙄𝙔𝘼𝙈 (@duraisubramani) July 17, 2025

Criticism has also been directed toward Minister of HR&CE, Shekhar Babu, who has frequently spoken about large-scale renovations and financial investments in temple infrastructure. Hindu Munnani questioned the practical impact of such claims when basic needs of pilgrims remain unmet.

With temple administration remaining under government control, the group has raised broader concerns about the well-being and treatment of Hindu devotees in Tamil Nadu, calling for accountability and urgent action.

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The grand Kumbabhishekam of the Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple, regarded as the second sacred abode (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, was conducted today after a 15-year interval, drawing nearly 10 lakh devotees. The ceremony was marked by elaborate Vedic rituals and traditional Tamil mantras.

The main Kumbabhishekam began at 6:15 AM with Vedic chants in Tamil and included the consecration of the Rajagopuram and various deities, including Moolavar, Shanmugar, Valli, Deivanai, Perumal, and Nataraja. LED screens were installed across the temple premises to manage crowding during the Kudamuzhukku, ensuring devotees could witness the ceremony without congestion.

Extensive security arrangements were made under the supervision of Additional Director General of Police Davidson Devasirvatham. The force included over 6,000 personnel, CCTV-equipped patrol vehicles, and bikes with GPS.

Curtailment Of Mandalabhishekam?

While the temple town witnessed a spiritual high, attention was also drawn to concerns about ritual curtailment raised by a prominent temple activist, TR Ramesh. Ramesh, who had earlier moved the Madras High Court to prevent the reduction of the 48-day Mandalabishekam at the Pazhani Murugan Temple to just 3 days, issued a stern warning against any similar attempt at Tiruchendur. He credited his earlier legal intervention, taken up on a Saturday, a court holiday for ensuring the full 48-day observance at Pazhani, as originally mandated by Agamic traditions.

Ramesh, who has long accused the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of mismanagement and fraud in temple administration, asserted that any attempt to curtail traditional rituals at Tiruchendur would be met with legal action. He also threatened to file for the complete removal of the HR&CE Department from temple control if violations of Vedic and Agamic norms were identified.

Attention Devotees: Tiruchendur Kumbabishekam –

After the Kumbabishekam in Pazhani Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Jan 2023, the misfits in the @tnhrcedept who are controlling the temple by Fraud from 1951 – wanted to curtail the 48 day Mandalabishekam to a 3 day ritual -… https://t.co/19LQhffwJZ pic.twitter.com/RkF9qFBzlm

— trramesh (@trramesh) July 7, 2025

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The post Tiruchendur Kumbabhishekam Held Grandly; Temple Activist Warns Of Fresh Court Action If Mandalabishekam Traditions Curtailed Similar To Palani Temple appeared first on The Commune.

A shocking revelation through an RTI request has exposed that a private company was paid a staggering ₹8 crore solely for drafting the blueprint of the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple complex.

The renowned Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation project, estimated at ₹300 crore. Initiated on 28 September 2022, the construction is now reportedly 90% complete. The grand Maha Kumbabhishekam is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2025, once the work reaches full completion.

#BREAKINGNEWS || வரைபடம் தயாரிக்க ரூ.8 கோடி..?#breakingnews | #Rs8crore | #map | #tiruchendurtemple | #RTI | #construction | #complex | #tamiljanam pic.twitter.com/JzWTIUIPef

— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) March 26, 2025

The matter came to light after an advocate Ramanatha Adhithan had filed an RTI regarding the temple expenditure.

Recently, Prithviraj (50), a BJP member and resident of Kamaraj Salai in Tiruchendur, shared a video alleging corruption in the ₹200 crore infrastructure project funded by Shiv Nadar at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple. He claimed that toilets built for devotees were in poor condition and that essential pipes and other fittings had been damaged or stolen. The video quickly went viral, drawing significant public attention.

In response, on 23 March at around 4:00 AM, police from the Tiruchendur temple station arrived at Prithviraj’s residence, stating that he was being taken in for questioning regarding a case against him. However, his family alleged that the officers trespassed into their home and attempted to detain him without presenting any legal documents related to the case.

திருச்செந்தூர் கோவில் வளாகத்திலிருந்து வீடியோ வெளியிட்ட பா.ஜ.க. பிரமுகரைத் தேடி அதிகாலை 4 மணிக்கு வீட்டுக்குச் சென்ற போலீசார்..!#Tuticorin | #TiruchendurTemple | #BJP | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/hahA1L13F4

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 24, 2025

Amid these developments, the RTI disclosure has sparked controversy, raising concerns over the exorbitant payment for the temple map alone. This revelation has further fueled outrage among devotees and activists, who are now demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the temple’s financial dealings.

(With Inputs From Tamil Janam)

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The post RTI Reveals ₹7.96 Crore Paid To Private Firm As “Design And Consultation Fee” For Developing Blueprint Of Tiruchendur Temple Complex appeared first on The Commune.

A video showing police attempting to arrest a social activist in the early hours of the morning, claiming he made derogatory remarks about the Tiruchendur temple authorities, has gone viral and sparked outrage. However, the activist did not insult anyone; instead, he raised concerns about Shiv Nadar, who contributed ₹200 crores and built toilets for the devotees inside the temple complex. Prithviraj alleged that the pipes and other infrastructure installed in the temple were damaged and stolen.

Prithviraj, 50, a resident of Kamaraj Salai in Tiruchendur and a BJP member, operates a furniture shop and leads an organization called ‘Ungalil Oruvan.’ He is known for his videos addressing social issues and the lack of basic facilities at the temple. On 23 March, at 4:00 am, police from the Tiruchendur temple station arrived at his home, stating they needed to take him in for questioning regarding a case against him.

When the police arrived, Prithviraj’s family informed them that he was not at home and refused to open the door. A video showing an argument between the police and Prithviraj’s family has since gone viral on social media. His family has accused the police of trespassing and attempting to arrest him without presenting any legal documents related to the case.

திருச்செந்தூர் கோவில் வளாகத்திலிருந்து வீடியோ வெளியிட்ட பா.ஜ.க. பிரமுகரைத் தேடி அதிகாலை 4 மணிக்கு வீட்டுக்குச் சென்ற போலீசார்..!#Tuticorin | #TiruchendurTemple | #BJP | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/hahA1L13F4

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 24, 2025

In this regard, the Tamil Nadu BJP condemned the attempt to arrest the activist through its official X account, stating, “Your anarchy is bound to be collapse, Mr. @mkstalin! Your police is trying to forcibly arrest the BJP executive who proved to the public with evidence what the true nature of the toilets built by your government at the Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. What is the need to go and arrest him at 4 am, Is he a corrupt individual like you who has looted crores of rupees, or a sex offender who is under government surveillance preyed on a university student? Why such a rush? Are you unsettled because he has exposed the fact that your government, which is looting in all sectors from toilets to TASMAC, has not spared the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department either? Moreover, the Tamil Nadu Police, which remains “silent” mode whenever heinous crimes are committed in Tamil Nadu, is going out of its way to suppress and oppress BJP members who expose your corruption, without regard for time or place. This is shameful and strongly condemnable.”

உங்கள் அராஜகத்திற்கு நிச்சயம் அழிவுண்டு திரு. @mkstalin!

திருச்செந்தூர் சுப்பிரமணிய சுவாமி கோவிலில் லட்சக்கணக்கில் செலவு செய்து உங்கள் அரசு புதிதாக கட்டிய கழிவறைகளின் உண்மை லட்சணம் என்ன என்பதை மக்களிடம் ஆதாரத்துடன் நிரூபித்த பாஜக நிர்வாகியை, இன்று பலவந்தமாக கைது செய்ய… pic.twitter.com/9po1yq9ESF

— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) March 24, 2025

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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The post Fascist ‘Appa’ Shenanigans: Activist And Ex-BJP Worker Exposes Poor Quality Of Newly Built Toilets At Tiruchendur Temple Complex, Dravidian Model Police Knocks On His Doors At 4 AM For Arrest appeared first on The Commune.

A viral video featuring PK Sekar Babu, the DMK Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), has sparked widespread backlash on social media. In the video, Sekar Babu appears to insult devotees in Tiruchendur by saying, “He goes to Tirupati and waits 24 hours in queue, but that won’t count,” disregarding the long wait and hardships of the devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, who were struggling in a long queue with inadequate facilities.

The Tiruchendur temple’s beach area is also grappling with severe sea erosion. A large 7-foot-wide crater has formed in the bathing area in front of the temple, prompting authorities to ban devotees from bathing there. This damage to the temple beach has led to calls for the government to address the ongoing erosion issue.

In response to these concerns, DMK Thoothukkudi MP Kanimozhi, HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, and District Collector K. Elam bahavath visited the Tiruchendur temple beach on 18 January 2025. During their visit, a group of devotees, who had been waiting for over four hours on the public darshan queue to see the deity, began shouting slogans at the ministers. They complained about a lack of drinking water, the inability to see the deity, and the crowded conditions, especially with children.

One of the women devotees expressed her distress, saying, “We can’t move in this crowd, and the children are starting to faint.”

Another angry devotee also voiced his frustration, saying, “Look at how many children are crying and shouting here. There’s no milk, nothing, without it they are crying in distress. We are humans too, right?” He pointed out the unbearable conditions after standing in the queue for long hours.

As the ministers walked by, having arrived to inspect the Tiruchendur beach erosion, another devotee, standing on the rail, shouted, “We condemn the HR&CE department!”

In the midst of this, HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu remarked, “What shall we do? If he is in a queue. One should stand in queue if he comes to temple. He goes to Tirupati and waits 24 hours in queue, but that won’t count,” while walking away from the crowd. The exchange, along with the video of the incident, has since gone viral on social media. Members of various Hindu organizations have expressed their anger, accusing the minister of making disrespectful comments towards the devotees.

சேகர்பாபுவின் அலட்சிய பதில்….#thiruchendur #SekarBabu #cmstalin #Chanakyaa

stay informed with the latest news through Chanakyaa via https://t.co/sbYbLDGPqW pic.twitter.com/AFtIbWrK8v

— சாணக்யா (@ChanakyaaTv) January 18, 2025

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A remarkable discovery has been made on the shores of Thiruchendur, where the relentless waves of the sea have revealed historical treasures buried deep in the sand. Among the findings, an ancient sage’s statue, dating back over 200 years, has come to light, thrilling devotees and drawing their spiritual admiration.

The treasures, hidden for centuries beneath the sand, have added to the mystique of the region, where the sea’s continuous erosion exposes relics of immense historical and religious significance. This particular statue, believed to be of a revered sage, is stirring deep feelings of devotion among the people. As news of the discovery spread, the fervor surrounding the event reached its peak, and it has now become a source of intense devotion among the locals and visitors alike.

Idols Emerged In 2024

In 2024, two significant discoveries were made on the shores of Thiruchendur beach, both shedding light on the region’s rich historical and spiritual heritage. In October 2024, a statue of Karuppasamy, an important deity in Hindu tradition, was found after being brought back to shore by strong waves. This idol, which had likely been submerged in the sea during an Ashtabandana Mahakumbabhishekam ritual performed at the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, was rediscovered as the waves receded.

Additionally, two stone inscriptions, both approximately 20 years old, were uncovered near the Thiruchendur Murugan temple in December 2024. As the water levels along the beach dropped due to a cyclone, the inscriptions—written in the latest Tamil script—were revealed. They were likely installed around 50 years ago to mark the presence of Theertha Kinaru (holy wells) used by devotees. The first inscription detailed a sacred water ritual called “Matha Theertham,” promising spiritual rewards, while the second referred to “Pitha Theertham.” These stones were originally placed near wells, though most of the 24 wells along the beach are now closed due to high waves. Unfortunately, one of the inscriptions was damaged due to the lack of proper retrieval efforts by the temple administration.

This discovery not only unravels a piece of the past but also strengthens the bond between the people and their sacred traditions, underlining the spiritual significance of the place. The unfolding of these historical finds continues to capture the imagination of the devotees, further reinforcing Thiruchendur’s place as a significant cultural and spiritual hub.

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The post 200-Year-Old Idols Uncovered At The Shores Of Thiruchendur appeared first on The Commune.

In a press statement issued today, Kadeshwara Subramaniam, the state president of Hindu Munnani, emphasised the immediate need for constructing separate roads dedicated to devotees embarking on the sacred padayatra. The call comes in response to a rising number of accidents involving pilgrims, particularly during the annual Thaipoosam festival, as they journey to Tiruchendur, Palani, Sabarimala, and Samayapuram.

Subramaniam highlighted the tragic incidents that occurred in recent weeks, including the death of a devotee in a road accident in Tiruchendur and another fatality resulting from a two-wheeler collision during a Palani padayatra. He underlined the historical significance of padayatra as an integral part of Hindu worship, stressing that devotees have been practicing this traditional pilgrimage for thousands of years.

Expressing concern over the safety of devotees, Kadeswara Subramaniam recalled the government’s earlier decision to construct separate roads from Dindigul to Palani and from Sempatti to Oddanchatram, specifically for the use of pilgrims. However, he lamented the current deplorable condition of these roads, rendering them unusable for devotees and forcing them onto tar roads shared with buses and heavy vehicles.

Kadeswara Subramaniam further criticised the lack of separate roads for devotees coming via Dharapuram and Udumalpet, leading to accidents caused by vehicles speeding during the night. He also highlighted the absence of safety measures such as glowing sticks which are previously provided.

Painting a grim picture of the infrastructure woes in Tiruchendur and Palani, Kadeswara Subramaniam pointed out the deteriorating condition of the tar road from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur and the absence of basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, and medical amenities for padayatra pilgrims. He criticised the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department for prioritising darshan fees over providing essential services for devotees.

As the Thaipoosam festival approaches, Kadeswara Subramaniam urged the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to take immediate action. The Hindu Munnani called for the swift construction of separate roads, distribution of glowing sticks, provision of toilet facilities, medical aid, drinking water, and adequate arrangements for darshan, without compromise, to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees.

விபத்தில் சிக்கும் பக்தர்கள் – பாதயாத்திரை செல்லும் பக்தர்களுக்கு தனிப்பாதை அமைக்க வேண்டும் – இந்து முன்னணி மாநில தலைவர் காடேஸ்வரா சுப்பிரமணியம் அவர்கள் அறிக்கை#கோவில்#அறநிலையத்துறை#இந்துமுன்னணி#ஆறுபடை#பழனி#திருச்செந்தூர்#பாதயாத்திரைhttps://t.co/DPvAkktccu

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 14, 2024

(With inputs from HINDU MUNNANI)

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The post Devotee Safety: Hindu Munnani Urges Separate Roads For Pilgrims Performing Padayatra Amidst Rising Accidents appeared first on The Commune.

The MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu has received yet another knock from the Madras High Court, this time over the appointment of archakas at the Thiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple.

A petition was filed by Thiruchenduar Subramania Swamy Temple independent Paripalana Sthalastar Sabha President Veerabagu Murthy and Joint Secretary Harihara Subramanian against the Government Order (GO) issued by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. The GO passed on 28 August 2023 ordered to appoint those who underwent training under the ‘All Castes Can Become Priests’ scheme as trainee priests under a senior priest. The petitioners contend that this GO was illegal.

According to the petitioners, there are already the Thirisudhandhirargal who have undergone rigorous training of the Agamas (a doctrine comprising of temple rituals, cosmology, epistemology, philosophy, and other practices).

They noted in their petition that it takes atleast 5-6 years to study the Vedas and Agamas completely and that it is impossible to learn them fully under the government’s one year training programme. They said that appointing them as new archakas is unwarranted as apprentice priests for one year under the senior priest will be paid a salary of ₹8000 per month from the temple fund. Highlighting these, the petitioners moved the High Court for a stay on the GO.

The counsel for the government argued that the matter pertains to appointment of individuals and that an association/body cannot file a case on their behalf.

After hearing the arguments, Justice S. Srimathy noted that the petitioners only contend that they cannot be trained in agamic temples and added that even private agama training centers in Pilliyarpatti and Tiruparangunram do not conduct archaka training in temples. The judge noted that it is against the agamas to train inside the temple under a senior archaka.

“Temples are the abodes of Gods. Devotees go to temple to worship Gods. Temples cannot be considered as training centres or laboratories.“, the judge observed.

The judge also pointed out that the HR&CE department did not even mention under which agama the candidates under the government scheme were trained.

Justice Srimathy noted that a priest should be trained in a particular agama from the first day of the training course and that one cannot change from one Agama to another Agama. She noted that it is against the ordinance passed by the HR&CE departmnt in 2007 to employ an untrained priest in the temple and then train them under the senior priest without specifying the agama under which they were trained. Justice Srimathy ruled in favour of the petitioners imposing an interim stay on the DMK Government’s order saying it is against the Supreme Court and High Court orders with a case related to this matter already pending in the Supreme Court.

Interestingly none of the top mainstream media outlets had reported about this incident.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The post “Temples Are Abode Of Gods, Not Laboratories”: DMK Govt Gets Another Knock From Madras HC Over Appointment Of Untrained Archakas In Thiruchendhur Murugan Temple appeared first on The Commune.