Hindu Tamilar Katchi leaders
Tamil Nadu: Hindu Tamilar Katchi objects to TVK MLA Mustafa’s name in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Kumbabhishekam invitation
The Hindu Tamilar Katchi has objected to the proposed inclusion of TVK MLA Madhar Badhurudeen, also known as V.M.S. Mustafa (or V.N.S. Mustafa), in the invitation and other publicity material for the September 17 Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Kumbabhishekam, with party leader Rama Ravikumar submitting a petition to the Madurai Collectorate.
Ravikumar has also raised objections to the proposed presence of CM Joseph Vijay, stating that the participation of CM could result in overcrowding and create a risk of a stampede-like situation.
Speaking to Organiser, Ravikumar said he had submitted a petition to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department Commissioner in Chennai and the Joint Commissioner of HR&CE at the Madurai Meenakshi Sundreswarar Temple on September 1, raising several objections regarding the Kumbabhishekam arrangements.
In his petition, Ravikumar said the proposed Kumbabhishekam was scheduled for September 17 and urged the government to declare a public holiday in the district on that day so that devotees could witness the event.
He further demanded that, after the Kumbabhishekam, the 48-day Mandalabhishekam rituals be conducted in accordance with Agama traditions and rituals without fail.
He also sought arrangements to bring holy waters from the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and Narmada rivers, besides the Cauvery and other rivers flowing through Tamil Nadu.
If necessary, he said, the temple authorities could seek the assistance of devotees in bringing the waters.
Ravikumar stressed that devotees and members of the public should be allowed to attend the holy event without discrimination and said that the arrangements should demonstrate that all devotees are equal before the deity.
He opposed special arrangements for VIPs, government officials, politicians, MLAs and MPs, including special queues for darshan.
The Hindu outfit also objected political displays during the Kumbabhishekam, including supporters or officials displaying political flags while standing on temple towers.
He further opposed political or official interference in the Yaga Shala and pooja rituals.
Ravikumar said all archakas should take a vow and tie the sacred thread, or kaappu, on their wrists, while also asserting that those with authority over temple rituals should ensure that the prescribed practices are followed.
Ravikumar specifically objected to the presence of TVK MLA from Madurai Central, Madhar Badhurudeen, also known as V.M.S. Mustafa or V.N.S. Mustafa. He alleged that Mustafa had reviewed the pre-Kumbabhishekam works at the temple while wearing a skull cap and without signing the register, while stating that he respected Hindu Dharma.
Ravikumar said Mustafa’s name should not be included in the Kumbabhishekam invitation as he had vowed to eradicate Sanatana Dharma after LoP and DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke in the State Assembly.
He further argued that, according to his interpretation of Islamic beliefs, a person belonging to another religion who does not accept Hindu deities should not enter a Hindu temple. These remarks represent Ravikumar’s stated objection to Mustafa’s proposed participation.
Ravikumar also referred to remarks he said Mustafa had made in the Assembly concerning the suffering of a large number of Muslims before and after the Coimbatore serial bomb blasts.
He additionally cited the historical raid of the Meenakshi Amman Temple by Malik Kafur during his military campaign into South India in 1311 CE.
Ravikumar also objected to the proposed use of images of CM Joseph Vijay in connection with the Kumbabhishekam.
He said a picture of “CM Joseph Vijay” should not be placed above the deity, which he claimed would be unacceptable to Hindu devotees. He demanded that such images be removed from invitations, banners and other publicity material.
The Hindu outfit also questioned the prominence allegedly being given to HR&CE officials over donors. Ravikumar said that the department should make public, in a transparent manner, the contributions made by the HR&CE Department, devotees, donors and members of the public towards the Kumbabhishekam.
He also sought due respect and equal importance for heads of Saiva mutts, Sadhus, Sanyasins and Vedic scholars during the event.
Ravikumar warned that if the temple authorities violated the applicable rules or committed any illegal acts, his organisation would pursue appropriate legal remedies.
Reference to Major Mukund Varadarajan
The Hindu outfit also referred to recent criticism of Mustafa over remarks concerning the sacrifice of Major Mukund Varadarajan and the biopic Amaran.
A social media user criticised Mustafa, questioning his objection to the portrayal of terrorists in Amaran, which depicts the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, an Army officer who fought terrorists.
Ravikumar’s objections come amid preparations for the September 17 Kumbabhishekam at the historic Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. He has demanded that the temple authorities ensure that the event remains focused on its religious rituals and devotees, while opposing as political prominence, special treatment and the participation of individuals unsuitable for the temple’s religious ceremonies.
