TN Minister Says Working On Bringing Chidambaram Temple Under State Control, BJP Opposes Move

Saranya, Executive Officer of the Thillai Kali Temple in Chidambaram, was reportedly stopped from performing her duty during the temple visit.

A controversy erupted after temple priests refused to provide entry for 'kanagasabai' until Aani Thirumanjam festival was over. 

Source : File photo

Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Sekar Babu on Tuesday said that efforts are being taken to bring Thillai Nataraja Chidambaram temple under the state department control. The Minister said that action would be taken if the temple officials violate the law. It may be recalled that the move comes after 10 priests were booked for preventing officials from performing their duties. 

According to ANI, PK Sekar Babu, Minister of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments said, “Chidambaram Police have booked 10 Dikshithars (priests) of the Lord Nataraja Temple for allegedly preventing officials of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department from performing their duties.”

“The state government will ensure that devotees can take darshan without any hindrance. Efforts are being made to bring Chidambaram Natarajar Temple under HR&CE,” he said. 

Tamil Nadu | Chidambaram Police have booked 10 Dikshithars (priests) of the Lord Nataraja Temple for allegedly preventing officials of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department from performing their duties

The state government will ensure that devotees can take… pic.twitter.com/3VTtqMpV4v

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

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Earlier, a controversy erupted after temple priests refused to provide entry for 'kanagasabai' until Aani Thirumanjam festival was over.  Following this, an argument ensued between priests and officials. 

HR&CE officials removed the board appointed by the temple priests. Chidambaram Town Police also booked a case against 10 priests of Sri Natarajar temple for obstructing an official of the HR&CE department from performing her duty. 

Saranya, Executive Officer of the Thillai Kali Temple in Chidambaram, was reportedly stopped from performing her duty during the temple visit. She had asked temple priests to remove the board announcing curbs on devotees that imposed rules to prevent devotees from worshiping at Kanakasabhai mandapam in Sri Natarajar temple.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP condemned the move of state government. Narayanan Thirupathy said, "We condemn the State government trying to take over Lord Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram. The govt is doing vendetta politics."

 

 

Tamil Nadu | Dikshithars (priests) of the Lord Nataraja Temple allegedly prevented devotees from climbing the Kanagasabai (holy stage) in the temple on 27th June. Later, police and officials of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department intervened in the matter.… pic.twitter.com/wlg7kWi7TI

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023