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New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Madurai HC directs HR, CE to respond on plea to restore 10-day brahmotsavam at Rameswaram temple
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department to file counter affidavit on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition which sought a direction to conduct the brahmotsavam (Ramalinga Prathishtai) at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram in the traditional manner for 10 days, instead of limiting it to three days. A bench comprising justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete noted that this year's festival commenced on Tuesday (June 3) and therefore, no direction could be issued. However, the judges recorded the submission of the temple's counsel that the temple authorities could look into the customary practices relating to the festival and follow them from next year. The case was adjourned for two weeks. The petitioner, Elephant of Chennai, alleged that the festival, also known as Ramalinga Prathishtai, had not been conducted for the past 10 years. The festival begins in the Tamil month 'Ani' and take place for 10 days. However, this year, it is being organised in 'Vaikasi', only for three days, he said adding that such alteration or dilution of an ancient temple festival by the HR and CE authorities hurts the sentiments of devotees and is an offence under Rule 8 and 9 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Nattars slam book on Kandadevi car festival; calls it factually wrong
SIVAGANGA: A section of people from the Nattar community has opposed the English translation of a book on the Kandadevi car festival authored by Siva Kalaimani, scheduled to be released by Governor RN Ravi on Thursday. On Wednesday, a group of people from the caste Hindu community submitted a petition to the district administration seeking steps to stop the event, saying the book contains factually incorrect information and would create division among communities. The book — 'Harmony Through Spiritually' — would be released by the governor in Devakottai on Thursday. The original Tamil version of the book was released in 2024. Former president of Kandadevi panchayat Murugan said the contents of the book may create differences between the four Nattars (who play a role in the festival). 'The author's statement that the latest temple car was made using donation made by an individual is wrong. The car was made using HR and CE department funds.' Author Siva Kalaimani refuted the charge, saying all the issues he has dealt with in the book have been verified. 'The current opposition may be due to political reasons,' he said.
