In a controversy that has sparked widespread outrage among devotees and critics alike, four pujaris appointed under the Tamil Nadu government’s “All Castes Archakas” scheme have been suspended following serious allegations of misbehavior at a temple in Srivilliputhur, the birthplace of Saint Andal.
According to Hindu Munnani and eyewitness accounts, the pujaris — appointed after completing a government-funded one-year crash course — were found dancing in an obscene and inebriated state at the Periya Mariamman Temple, where pre-consecration rituals were underway. A disturbing video allegedly shows one of them exposing himself while another appears to fling sacred ash towards a woman devotee in an inappropriate manner. Complaints of sexual misconduct have also been lodged.
The suspended individuals include Sundar, Assistant Priest Gomathynayagam, and Karthik, among others. Hindu Munnani functionary Yuvaraj confirmed that a formal police complaint was submitted and that the temple trustee Chakkaraiammal was notified. Yuvaraj added, “They were drunk and misbehaved with women devotees. This is not just misconduct — it’s an insult to temple sanctity and Sanatana Dharma.”
Temple Executive Officer Jothilakshmi confirmed the pujaris were relieved of their duties temporarily, stating:
“They have been asked not to enter the temple premises. After the scheduled consecration ceremony on July 2, stricter action will be initiated.”
The incident has reignited criticism of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s “Dravidian Model” approach toward temple reforms. Critics claim the appointment of pujaris after a short training program undermines centuries-old Agamic traditions and temple sanctity.
Launched in 2006 and revived in 2021 under CM M.K. Stalin, the All Castes Archakas scheme aimed at social inclusion within temples. While hailed by supporters as a progressive step against caste-based discrimination, the scheme faced resistance from religious scholars and traditional pujaris, who undergo over a decade of rigorous training under the Gurukul system to master temple rituals, Agamas, and Vedic disciplines.
“This is the result of replacing ten years of Gurukulam training with a ten-month crash course,” said one critic. “The DMK has politicized temple rituals and brought in unqualified individuals to sacred spaces, hurting the very soul of our religious traditions.”
Allegations have also surfaced linking a controversial media figure, TV anchor Nelson Xavier, to the priest-training program. Critics claim he took classes at the training center, raising concerns about ideological indoctrination.
In parallel, public discontent is also mounting in Rameswaram and Palani, where devotees are protesting against the imposition of temple entry and ritual fees. Local Hindu groups allege that the move is part of a broader strategy to deter temple visits and dilute Sanatana Dharma practices.
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