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Thiruvannamalai: Claiming it was part of an illegal encroachment removal drive, authorities in Thiruvannamalai have allegedly demolished an Andhra/Telangana Annadaana Satram (free-feeding choultry), or free community dining place, evoking strong condemnation from devotees, particularly the Telugu community.
There are several free rest houses and Annadaanam centres that take care of pilgrims from the respective regions. Among them, some are popular and prominent places for Telugu pilgrims. It features budget-friendly rooms and offers Nithya Annadanam (daily free/low-cost meals).
In a viral video posted on July 18, one man from Andhra Pradesh claimed that he had been serving the poor. “Authorities came and demolished the place. I am doing this in the service of God and His devotees. For over five hours, when we opposed their move, they hit us badly and refused to listen to our voices. They treated me like this because I am from Andhra Pradesh.
They did not warn us before the demolition or serve any notice to us. Is it wrong to help the devotees who visit Thiruvannamalai? Is it a sin?” he asked, literally wailing with tears rolling down his face.
In protest against the demolition, some men could be seen lying on the ground to stop the action, while women and men shouted against the authorities for their inhuman action in Tamil and Telugu. They argued with the authorities, who arrived with bulldozers.
Another social media activist, in a post on X, said: “Without giving prior notice, CM Joseph’s government demolished the Andhra/Telangana Annadaana Satram as part of its ‘illegal encroachment removal drive’ near Arunachalam Temple in Tamil Nadu. They have not demolished other neighbouring buildings. Will the administration dare to demolish the dargahs and churches constructed on occupied temple lands?
Right in front of the entrance of the temple there is an illegal dargah and shops run by Islamists and converts (Christians) surrounding the temple. What will the Joseph government do with those lands? It will sell them off cheaply to converts, just like other lands.”
According to Thiruvannamalai district Hindu Munnani secretary Siva, who told Organiser, “The land belonged to the Thiruvannamalai temple. We wanted to make a complaint, but the authorities removed the encroachments. Temple land worth approximately ₹4 crore has been recovered.”
It is to be noted that in May last year, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government and local authorities to take swift action to remove illegal encroachments along the 14-km Girivalam path (parikrama route) and the slopes of the holy hill in Thiruvannamalai. It mandated the strict clearance of unauthorised structures to restore the area. However, it cannot be ascertained whether this structure was among those covered by the court’s directions.
