In a shocking development that has ignited widespread anger among devotees and Hindu organisations, the century-old Veda Vinayagar temple on Mint Street in Chennai was reportedly razed to the ground during an overnight operation. The demolition, which took place despite ongoing opposition from groups like the Hindu Munnani, has raised serious questions about institutional oversight and alleged targeting of Hindu places of worship in Tamil Nadu.
According to the Hindu Munnani, the Veda Vinayagar temple, located near Chinna Kadangamal temple, has been in existence since 1955 with regular poojas being performed. It was originally maintained by VN Devyani Ammal. After her demise, one Indrakumar was appointed to supervise the temple. The Hindu Munnani alleges that the temple and its properties were not properly maintained under his supervision, with high-rise constructions around it reportedly blocking access for devotees.
In a social media post on X dated July 7, 2025, Hindu Munnani had voiced strong condemnation against attempts to demolish the temple, stating: “Today, someone claiming ownership for the property have been trying to demolish the temple. Hindu Munnani strongly condemn this act. Who ordered properties belonged to the Veda Vinayagar temple and its properties? Hindu Munnani will wage war to stop this.” The organisation had also questioned the identity of the “unknown individual asserting ownership of land held by the temple trust” and who authorised the demolition.
https://twitter.com/hindumunnani_tn/status/1941123074708947415.
However, despite these public appeals and warnings of resistance, the temple was demolished overnight. Upon hearing the news, members of the Hindu Munnani and the public gathered to protest peacefully. In response, police reportedly arrested several functionaries, including Hindu Munnani’s state spokesperson AT Elangovan, along with state and district office-bearers. They were subsequently detained in a marriage hall, as reported by the Hindu Munnani on X:
https://twitter.com/hindumunnani_tn/status/1945448261441200508.
This incident comes amidst broader allegations that Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu are being disproportionately targeted in demolition drives, while places of worship belonging to other communities remain untouched. Critics claim that over 250 Hindu temples have been demolished during the current “Dravidian Model” DMK rule. Concerns are being raised about restricted temple access for locals, exorbitant fees for darshan, alienation of temple properties, and alleged diversion or misuse of temple funds. Many temples are reportedly in dilapidated conditions, yearning for renovation and proper maintenance, including daily poojas.
In a related development, an elderly citizen recently staged a solitary protest in Pavoorchatram, Tenkasi district, against the alleged construction of a church on land belonging to the Tenkasi Kutralanathar temple. He was reportedly lying on the road surrounded by police, highlighting the ongoing struggle to protect temple lands.
https://twitter.com/vasudevakudumba/status/1945098482936693154.
The demolition of the Veda Vinayagar temple has intensified the debate surrounding religious freedom and heritage preservation in Tamil Nadu, with devotees and Hindu organisations vowing to continue their fight for the protection of ancient Hindu sites.
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