Mariamman Temple at Chinna Dharapuram opened for darshan after eight years
The temple has been under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) since 1973 with the devotees belonging to various castes worshipping the Goddess. However, a clash between two caste groups erupted in 2018. While the SC people insisted on their right to worship at the temple, the caste Hindus opposed their entry. Since it became a law and order issue, the then RDO conducted an inquiry and issued an order to close the temple. Since then the temple had been kept closed for the public. Both the groups moved the Madras High Court on the issue.
When the matter was taken up for hearing before Justice B. Pugalendhi, he questioned the need for keeping the temple closed for so long and issued an order to reopen the temple with immediate effect and directed the HR&CE department to ensure entry of all to the temple. The officials subsequently displayed a flex board on Thursday, thereby announcing that the people of all castes can offer worship at the temple. A group of caste Hindus rushed to the spot and forcefully removed the flex, thereby leading to a scuffle. They entered into arguments with the HE&CE officials and told them that they would not allow SC people to enter the temple.
Amid a surcharged atmosphere, the HR&CE authorities, led by Assistant Commissioner M. Ramanikandan, opened the doors of the temple on Friday in the presence of revenue officials and a large number of police personnel. The people belonging to the two groups entered the temple. After cleaning the premises, special pujas were performed to the main deity.
Mr. Ramanikandan told The Hindu that the temple was opened as per the High Court order. Irrespective of castes, the devotees, including SC people, were allowed to enter the temple and offer worship. No one would be restricted. Tough action would be taken against those creating trouble.
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