Ilaiyaraaja Addresses Tamil Nadu Temple Row: ‘Will Not Compromise My Self-respect At Any Place'

Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja recently visited the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu, sparking a controversy when reports surfaced that he was denied access to the sanctum sanctorum due to his caste.

Ilaiyaraaja recently visited the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu, sparking a controversy

Source : PTI

Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja recently visited the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu, sparking a controversy when reports surfaced that he was denied access to the sanctum sanctorum due to his caste. However, the musician has now addressed the issue, dismissing these claims as baseless and urging the public not to believe in false rumours. 

What Ilaiyaraaja wrote

On Monday, Ilaiyaraaja took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight. Writing in Tamil, he said, "Some people are spreading false rumours centered around me. I am not one to compromise my self-respect at any time or place, and I will not compromise. They are spreading news that did not happen as if it happened. Fans and the public should not believe these rumours." 

என்னை மையமாக வைத்து சிலர் பொய்யான வதந்திகளைப் பரப்பி வருகிறார்கள். நான் எந்த நேரத்திலும், எந்த இடத்திலும் என்னுடைய சுய மரியாதையை விட்டுக் கொடுப்பவன் அல்ல, விட்டுக்கொடுக்கவும் இல்லை. நடக்காத செய்தியை நடந்ததாகப் பரப்புகின்றார்கள். இந்த வதந்திகளை ரசிகர்களும், மக்களும் நம்ப வேண்டாம்.

— Ilaiyaraaja (@ilaiyaraaja) December 16, 2024

The music maestro was accompanied by Sadagopa Ramanuja Iyer and Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Sri Andal Jeeyar Mutt during his visit. The purpose of the visit was to launch his new composition, Divya Pasuram. Following the temple rituals, Ilaiyaraaja was presented with Andal’s garlands and silk garments as an honor from the temple authorities. 

However, reports suggested that Ilaiyaraaja, along with the priests accompanying him, was asked to leave when they approached the sacred chamber housing the deity. Videos from his visit went viral, fueling speculation that caste-based discrimination was at play. 

SHOCKING: Ilaiyaraaja denied entry✖️ to Sanctum Sanctorum and asked to get out by the priests at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple🛕 pic.twitter.com/Aii7GQPg6k

— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) December 16, 2024

What temple authorities said

A senior official from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department clarified the situation, stating, “At the Andal Sannidhi, devotees typically offer prayers from the Vasantha Mandapam, a pavilion located outside the Arthamandapam — the intermediary space leading to the sanctum sanctorum. When Ilaiyaraaja, along with the senior priests, approached the entrance of the Arthamandapam, the priests informed him that entry beyond the Vasantha Mandapam was restricted. Consequently, Ilaiyaraaja offered his prayers from the designated area.”