Renowned temple activist TR Ramesh has sounded the alarm over the alleged demolition of the heritage fortified wall of the ancient Sri Kallazhagar Temple, situated in the forested area of Azhagar Malai near Madurai. Ramesh accuses the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government, present since December 13, 1951, of unlawfully undertaking the demolition under the pretext of renovation.
Taking to his social media platform, Ramesh expressed deep concern about the potential irreparable damage being inflicted on the temple’s antiquity and heritage values. The Kallazhagar Temple boasts a rich history spanning over 15 centuries and is renowned for its splendid architectural features.
In a strongly-worded statement, Ramesh criticised the alleged greed for money driving these purported renovation efforts. He drew parallels between the actions of those demolishing temples today and historical figures like Aurangzeb and Hyder Ali, infamous for their acts of desecration.
“The Bhagwan at Kallazhagar Temple draws lakhs of devotees to His abode during festivals, yet there seems to be a lack of accountability and questioning regarding the destruction of the temple and its surroundings,” remarked Ramesh, emphasising the need for vigilance in preserving the sacred site.
The officials of the @tnhrcedept – A Department that thrives on FRAUD and that is illegally present in Sri Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagarkoil near Madurai from 13.12.1951 – have started to demolish the heritage Fortified Wall of the temple in the name of Renovation.
Sri… pic.twitter.com/JId7qKHuKF
— trramesh (@trramesh) February 26, 2024
Renowned temple activist TR Ramesh took to Twitter to question the HR and CE department’s decision to remove the sacred ash, known as Vibuthi, from the forehead of Saint Vallalar’s statue. Vallalar, also known as Ramalinga Adigalar, was a staunch believer in Shaivism, composing numerous songs dedicated to Lord Murugan and Shiva.
“ ஸ்ரீ வள்ளலார் நெற்றியில் என்றும் விளங்கும் திருநீற்றை அழித்தவன் யாருடா?” என்று பக்தர்கள் யாரும் கேள்வி கேட்க வேண்டாம். விடை வரவே வராது. எருமை மாடு மீது மழை பெய்தால் என்ன நிலையோ அது போல் தான் இதுவும். https://t.co/URrgqFnjFN
— trramesh (@trramesh) February 24, 2024
The controversy deepened as Ramesh highlighted other instances of alleged interference by the HR and CE department in various temples. In a tweet, he declared his intent to post pictures of temples where Tamil Nadu government officials are reportedly functioning as Executive Officers, terming it a “fraud on the Constitution” and a denial of fundamental rights of Hindus.
Ramesh’s post also challenged the HR and CE department to provide evidence of legally valid orders appointing Executive Officers in these temples. He extended an invitation for a live debate on the subject of alleged fraud by the department.
The HR and CE department’s depiction of Vallalar without sacred ash, saffron cloth, and sacred thread (Janeu) has triggered widespread condemnation on social media. Devotees and citizens alike are expressing concern over what they perceive as an infringement on the sanctity of religious symbols and practices.
An old pic of Vallalar with vibhooti smeared in his forehead. What happened to that in the pic you posted @tnhrcedept .
Don't you have shame? https://t.co/nzfiq5EpjI pic.twitter.com/2GrNTvxgMO— Living Temples Of Bharat (@Saigeet36566874) February 24, 2024
As the controversy unfolds, calls for transparency and accountability in the administration of temples are gaining momentum, with activists like TR Ramesh at the forefront of the demand for answers from the HR and CE department and the Tamil Nadu government.
