Prominent temple activist TR Ramesh has raised an alarm concerning the alleged illegal demolition of the historic fortified wall surrounding the ancient Sri Kallazhagar Temple, located in the wooded area of Azhagar Malai near Madurai.
Ramesh accused the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government, which has been in place since December 13, 1951, of unauthorized demolition under the guise of renovation.
Expressing his concerns on social media, Ramesh voiced apprehension about the potentially irreversible harm being done to the temple’s age and heritage values. The Kallazhagar Temple, with a history spanning over 15 centuries, is well-known for its impressive architectural features.
In a strongly-worded statement, Ramesh criticized what he perceives as the greed for money driving these alleged renovation efforts. He drew parallels between the current temple demolitions and historical figures like Aurangzeb and Hyder Ali, notorious for their acts of desecration.
Despite the Kallazhagar Temple drawing a large number of devotees during festivals, Ramesh highlighted a perceived lack of accountability and scrutiny regarding the destruction of the temple and its surroundings. He emphasized the importance of vigilance in preserving this sacred site.
He wrote, “The officials of the tnhrcedept – A Department that thrives on FRAUD and that is illegally present in Sri Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagarkoil near Madurai from 13.12.1951 – have started to demolish the heritage Fortified Wall of the temple in the name of Renovation. Sri Kallazhagar Temple set in Forest Area is an ancient temple that is more than 15 Centuries old. It is resplendent with wonderful works of architecture. The greed for money – and consequently carrying out unnecessary and unlawful Civil Works – with the temple funds – make corrupt officials and politicians inflict permanent damages to the antiquity and heritage values of extraordinary temples.
What is the difference between such demolishers of temples and the marauders of temples like Aurangzeb and Hyder Ali? The Bhagwan there draws lakhs of Devotees to His temple and His festivals. But no one to question the destruction of His Temple and its environs.”
The officials of the @tnhrcedept – A Department that thrives on FRAUD and that is illegally present in Sri Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagarkoil near Madurai from 13.12.1951 – have started to demolish the heritage Fortified Wall of the temple in the name of Renovation.
Sri… pic.twitter.com/JId7qKHuKF
— trramesh (@trramesh) February 26, 2024
(with inputs from Organiser)
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