The delayed closure of the Thirupparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Madurai for the visit of Tamil Nadu minister CTR Nirmal Kumar has triggered controversy and drawn criticism from devotees, with allegations that Agama rules were violated to accommodate the minister and his entourage.
According to devotees, the temple, which is usually closed at 1:00 PM and reopened only at 4:00 PM, remained open until around 1:30 PM on the day of the minister’s visit. Devotees alleged that the temple administration delayed the closure exclusively for the minister’s darshan, sparking complaints of preferential treatment for ruling-party figures.
The Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple, regarded as the first of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes, witnessed the minister’s first visit after he assumed office in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. CTR Nirmal Kumar, who was elected MLA from the Thirupparankundram constituency, arrived in Madurai yesterday and proceeded directly from the airport to the temple for darshan.
As per normal temple procedure, entrances begin closing around 12:45 PM ahead of the 1:00 PM afternoon closure, and devotees inside are gradually asked to exit. However, the minister reportedly arrived at the temple around 12:57 PM.
Temple Deputy Commissioner Gnanasekar, Sivachariyars and temple officials were present to receive him. He was escorted inside the temple around 1:00 PM, where temple trustees, officials and party members welcomed him with shawls. Priests also accorded him Poorna Kumbha honours.
The controversy intensified after the minister reportedly entered the sanctum area and performed darshan after the scheduled closing time. Devotees alleged that large numbers of party workers accompanying him were allowed inside the temple even as ordinary devotees waiting in queues were affected.
According to reports, the minister completed his darshan and left around 1:20 PM, after which the temple doors were finally closed at approximately 1:30 PM.
The incident has led to allegations that Agama rules and long-standing temple procedures were selectively relaxed for a minister and members of the ruling party. Several devotees questioned whether ordinary worshippers would have been granted similar concessions.
Further controversy erupted after members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam accompanying the minister allegedly entered areas close to the sanctum and used mobile phones to take photographs and record videos for social-media reels inside the temple premises.
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