Madras High Court Holds Special Saturday Sitting To Hear Case On Palani Temple Ritual Dispute

The bench of Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy recorded that the parties have arrived at a consensus.

The petitioner TR Ramesh, president of Indic Collective Trust and Temple Worshippers Society, approached the court seeking directions to the State and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Commissioner for performance of the rituals at Pazhani Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple as per the Agamas.

It was submitted that the Kumbhabhishekam, which was supposed to be performed in 2018, was not performed by the temple administration. Kumbhabhishekam was delayed till 2022 and later the temple renovation was carried out in a haphazard manner without consulting dharmic people, who are experts in Agamas, the court was told. 

It was also submitted that the Mandalabhishekam which is an integral part of the Kumbhabhishekham and supposed to be conducted on the 48th day was proposed to be conducted on the 4th day by the temple management. The petitioners called it an attempt by the management to desecrate the temple and to commit an "adharmic act" to offend the feelings of devotees.

Citing the decision of the Supreme Court in Seshammal v. State of Tamil Nadu, the petitioners submitted that non performance of Agamas or violating the performance of Agamas is a violation of judicial precedents. Thus, the petitioner sought directions to the State and the HR&CE department to conduct the Kumbhabhishekam as per Agamas.

The State on the other hand submitted that it does not intend to go against the Agamas. The intention was to limit the scale of ritual keeping in mind the large number of devotees visiting the temple for the Pazhani Festival scheduled to be held on February 5, it said.

The HR&CE department assured the court that the Mandalabhishekam will be carried out everyday for a period of 48 days.

The High Court recorded these submissions and noted that a consensus has been arrived at between the parties.

Case Title: TR Ramesh v. State of Tamil Nadu and others

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 33