Tamil Nadu: HR & CE department grants permission for consecration of Kari Varadaraja Perumal Temple amidst controversy

Coimbatore: The historic Kari Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in Annur near Coimbatore, is nearly 400-year-old, believed to be around five centuries old, has been undergoing repairs and renovations by local devotees, who contributed their resources for the restoration. The Thiruppani group, consisting of temple service volunteers, took the initiative to construct a mandapam and a shrine for 12 Azhwars and expand the circumambulatory path.

Last month, the Thiruppani group applied to the HR and CE department seeking permission to perform the consecration. The consecration, also known as Kumbabishegam, was scheduled for the morning of December 1, 2023, with elaborate preparations, including the distribution of printed invitations.

However, on the evening of November 29, 2023, officials from the office of the Joint Commissioner of the HR and CE department surprised devotees by instructing them to “complete the pending work” before proceeding with the Kumbabishegam. The organising committee asserted that all the necessary work had been completed and there were no pending tasks.

Allegations soon emerged, with TN BJP’s Industrial Cell vice president Selva Kumar claiming that permission was denied due to the devotees’ refusal to pay a 30% commission to government officials. In response, the BJP, along with Hindu Munnani, threatened a massive protest unless the HR and CE granted permission.

Facing the pressure, the HR and CE department reportedly relented and granted permission for the Kumbabishegam on December 14, 2023, with certain conditions. Notably, organisers are instructed not to issue receipts in the name of the temple, and funds are to be collected from the public. The department emphasised that the ceremony should be conducted “without causing inconvenience to the public,” with necessary safety arrangements, including fire services.

The decision to allow the consecration has prompted the BJP, Hindu Munnani, and other Hindu organisations to cancel the planned protest. The episode reflects the concerted efforts of devotees and the community to ensure the continuation of religious rituals and traditions, despite the initial obstacles and controversies surrounding the event.