Chennai: Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata party leader, K Annamalai, has strongly criticised the DMK government and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department regarding recent incidents at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, according to a press release.
The press release condemns the DMK government for allegedly attempting to disrupt the longstanding worship practises at the historic Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which has significant religious and historical importance dating back over a thousand years.
The controversy revolves around the decision to restrict public access to the Kanakasabhai (Golden Hall) in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple for four days following the annual Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This restriction has been a traditional practise at the temple during this festival for a long time.
The press release argues that the government’s actions undermine the autonomy of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. K Annamalai claims that this decision disregards previous court rulings from the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court and disregards the sentiments of the devotees.
Referring to a 1951 judgement by the Madras High Court (petition 2591/195), Annamalai highlights that Chidambaram Deekshitars are considered a denominated sect of Hinduism under Article 26 of the Constitution. He also mentions another 1951 judgement (petition 668/195) that confirms the administrative authority of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple rests solely with the Deekshitars, emphasising that the government has no jurisdiction over the temple.
The press release states that since assuming power in 2021, the current DMK-led government has faced criticism for interfering in the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and attempting to gain control through the charity department. The temple’s authorities and devotees have expressed discontent due to the government’s ongoing interference, including demands for an audit of the temple’s jewels, which was carried out upon request.
Annamalai also raises allegations concerning the Special District Collector’s handling of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple’s 3,500 acres of land. It is claimed that the revenue accounts for this land have not been reported for the past 15 years, depriving the temple of its rightful share of revenue during this period. Annamalai calls for clarification from the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister, Mr. Sekar Babu, regarding these allegations.
He further mentions that there have been calls for a private audit of the revenue expenditure of the more than 37,000 temples managed by the HR&CE Department. Annamalai asserts that Minister Sekar Babu must acknowledge the limits of his jurisdiction and not disregard the judgements of the Madras High Court.
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