Under the DMK’s so-called Dravidian Model government, anything can happen, even to the Lord and His abode. One such example is the centuries-old Madhesilingam Temple on Mangalam Hill near Palladam. Overnight, the temple vanished into thin air, leaving no trace that such a structure ever existed.
According to media reports, the demolished temple was dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and came under the administration of the HR & CE Department. It was located next to the Mangalam Government School and had historically attracted large numbers of devotees, especially on auspicious days like Pradosham, Amavasya (new moon), and Pournami (full moon).
On hearing of the temple’s disappearance, Annadurai of the Palladam Social Activists Association and others visited the site. He told the media that the temple was of great historical and spiritual significance. “The Mangalam Hill Temple is very old, and its sanctity is evident from its structure and traditions. Bhagwan Shiva has blessed devotees on this hill for generations,” he said.
Annadurai criticised the HR & CE Department for neglecting the temple. He stated that the front hall had been damaged by termites and that the lack of proper maintenance made it difficult for devotees to continue worshipping. Annadurai condemned the HR & CE, which is expected to promote spirituality, for allowing the temple to fall into such a state.
He said, “It is shocking that a temple which has not been maintained for years has suddenly vanished without any prior notice. According to the temple priest, it was recently demolished for renovation. However, there is no sign of a palalayam or any construction work at the site.”
Annadurai questioned whether the HR & CE Department had acted intentionally in removing the temple, urging the department to take immediate steps to rebuild it, conduct a Kumbabhishekam to restore its traditional grandeur, and make it accessible to devotees once again. He also called for a notice to be displayed at the site to inform the public about the temple’s status and planned restoration, including renovation works, if any.
Hindu Munnani also condemned the HR & CE Department for remaining silent on such important issues and further alleged that Muslims were attempting to encroach upon land next to the 600-year-old Theni Venkatachalapathi Temple to build a dargah.
Hindu Munnani State President, Kadeswara Subramanian, said, “The famous temple at the Lotus Pond (Tamarai Kulam) is atop the hill. Devotees visit it every day. There is a piece of promboke (government-owned barren land) that some Muslims are trying to grab to build a dargah. They have now put up a small thatched structure and are using it as a place of worship. Gradually, they have made it into a burial ground, hoisted a green crescent flag, and started performing Namaz in large numbers. This has created problems for Hindu devotees as their passage is obstructed, and it is likely to create communal tension. Despite repeated complaints, the authorities have failed to act, silently aiding the encroachers. When the BJP and Hindu Munnani attempted to organise a protest by climbing the hill, the police promptly arrested them. The police and HR & CE Department have turned a blind eye to the dargah and the encroaching activities.”
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