The anti-Hindu DMK Govt in Tamil Nadu is bullying in Chidambaram Nataraj Temple.

Row between temple dikshithars in Nataraj Temple and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment dept in Tamilnadu.

Case booked against 11 Dikshithars in Chidambaram….. 

B Upendran | HENB |  Chidambaram | June 28, 2023:: A heated argument broke out between an official from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department under Tamil Nadu Govt and the Podhu Dikshithars of the Natarajar temple over the latter restricting devotees’ entry into the Kanagasabai for four days at Chidambaram on Saturday.

The Aani Thirumanjanam festival commenced at the Nataraja temple on June 17. As part of the festivities, a car procession was scheduled for Sunday, followed by the darshan on Monday. Meanwhile, the Podhu Dikshithars (the hereditary custodians-cum-archakas) put up a notice restricting devotees’ entry to Kanagasabai (sacred golden platform) for four days starting last Saturday.

As tradition and convenience, the priests (Dikshithars), who govern the Thillai Nataraja temple, had restricted devotees from climbing atop the golden platform from June 24-27 during the Aathi Thirumanjanam — a four-day auspicious program when special pujas are conducted — due to security concerns and uninterrupted worship rutuals.

On Saturday evening, HR&CE officials accompanied by police and revenue officials, arrived at the temple to remove the notice. The Dikshithars gathered and opposed the officials. They argued that such restrictions were customary during the festival to ensure an uninterrupted puja and the subsequent display of the idols of Sivakamasundari Samedha Sri Natarajamurthy for the car procession and darshan. The secretary of Podhu Dikshithars committee, T S Sivarama Dikshithar, engaged with the officials.

Prior to their departure, HR&CE officials told media that they intended to file a complaint with the police against the Dikshithars, allegedly obstructed with their duties. Meanwhile, Sivarama Dikshithar told the media, “We had notified the joint commissioner of the HR&CE and there was no opposition from the public. These restrictions are also for the security of the jewels displayed in Kanagasabai. The officials came here, removed the notice board, and disrupted our festival preparations.”

Afterwards, the Chidambaram Town Police have booked a case against 11 Dikshithars of Sri Natarajar temple in Chidambaram for allegedly obstructing an official of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department from discharging her duty among other sections.

In her complaint to the police, Saranya, Executive Officer of the Thillai Kali Temple in Chidambaram said she was prevented from discharging her duty during her visit to the temple on Saturday, June 24, 2023. The official said that she had asked the Pothu Dikshithars to remove the board announcing curbs on devotees offering worship from the Kanakasabhai mandapam in the Sri Natarajar temple since it was in violation of a G.O. of the Tamil Nadu Government.

On Monday, June 26,  officials from the Revenue Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, (HR and CE) accompanied by the police,  removed the board announcing the restriction of devotees from offering worship at the Kanakasabhai mandapam at Sri Natarajar temple in Chidambaram.

Speaking to reporters, G. Chandrasekhar, legal counsel of the Dikshithars, said the HR and CE Department of the Tamil Nadu government was trying to take over the administration of the temple by resorting to various measures over the past one year.

The officials removed the board with police security, he said, adding the State government had been misusing the police machinery to settle scores with the Dikshithars. “We believe in Lord Nataraja and the courts and will face the issue legally,” he said.

As of Wednesday, the priests have allowed devotees to pray from the temple.

The anti-Hindu DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) Govt in Tamil Nadu has been trying to occupy temple treasures, properties, and authorities by force for many years to extract money from Hindu donations for running their party and self-interest.

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__Inputs from TNIE & TH.