The Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, one of the six sacred abodes (*Arupadai Veedu*) of Lord Murugan, is drawing criticism from devotees after the temple administration announced a ₹1,000 fee for quick darshan during the upcoming Kanda Shashti festival. This annual festival, one of the most significant for the temple, will be celebrated for eight days from 2 November to 9 November 2024, attracting thousands of devotees from Tamil Nadu, other states, and even abroad.
The Kanda Shashti festival commemorates Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman, with the highlight being the Surasamharam, a dramatic reenactment held on the beach, which will take place on 7 November 2024. Devotees typically observe fasts and stay at the temple for the entire six days of the festival.
Quick Darshan Fee Controversy
In anticipation of large crowds and long queues, the temple administration announced that a ₹1,000 fee for quick darshan would be charged, similar to last year’s arrangement. This fee would apply for the full eight days of the festival. The decision aimed to ease the congestion in the fee-free and ₹100 darshan queues, particularly for those fasting for Kanda Shashti.
However, devotees met the move with outrage, who accused the temple of undermining the principle that all are equal before God. Critics pointed out that, despite the temple’s significant income, basic facilities for worshippers remain lacking. One devotee remarked, “The temple earns Rs.3 crore per month, yet less than 10% is spent on improving temple facilities. The introduction of these fees only serves to prevent larger numbers of devotees from attending.”
In response to the public outcry, ETV Bharat reported that the temple administration swiftly withdrew the ₹1,000 quick darshan fee, stating that they would accept suggestions and objections from the public before making a final decision.
The Tiruchendur Murugan Temple is the second of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes, located on the coast of Thoothukudi district. Apart from Kanda Shashti, the temple also celebrates major festivals like Thaipusam, Panguni Uttaram, and Vaikasi Visagam, drawing devotees from across India and abroad.
Kanda Shashti, the most prominent festival, takes place every year starting from the day after the new moon in the Tamil month of Aippasi. Lakhs of devotees attend the festival, which includes special rituals and Yagasala Pujas beginning on 2 November 2024.
In 2023, there were media reports on steep increases in darshan fees, with Abhishekam Darshan rising from ₹500 to ₹3000 and Vishwarupa Darshan from ₹100 to ₹2000. Quick Darshan fees also surged from ₹100 to ₹1000. However, HR&CE officials clarified that a 2017 government order authorized these increases during Kanda Sashti.
The controversy over the quick darshan fee has cast a shadow over this year’s Kanda Shashti festival. As the temple management continues to handle objections, many devotees are awaiting clarity on the administration’s final stance regarding the darshan fees.
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