Latest news with #Velmurugan
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Intricate Arca statue carvings unveiled at Perak's Sri Maha Mariamman temple
IPOH: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Batu Gajah has made history as the first Hindu temple in the country to unveil its heritage in the form of intricate Arca (statue) carvings. The temple located at the Kinta Kellas Estate, which is about 500m from the famed Kellie's Castle, stands as more than just a place of worship. Sri Maha Mariamman Devotees Association president P. Velmurugan said the temple symbolises over a century of spiritual history and a unique bond between the local community and Scottish planter William Kellie-Smith, founder and owner of the Kinta Kellas Estate. 'Built 118 years ago on Kellie-Smith's initiative as an expression of gratitude to Goddess Mariamman, the temple's distinctive architecture and carvings remain unmatched in Malaysia. 'According to historical accounts, Kellie-Smith vowed to build a temple after his prayers at a small shrine in the estate were answered, intertwining the temple's legacy with the nearby Kellie's Castle in a story rich with symbolism,' he said. Velmurugan said the official opening ceremony on Aug 16 would not only honour the temple's history but also introduce the newly installed Arca carvings, which depict its origins and evolution. He said the initiative aims to attract visitors from across Malaysia and tourists from around the world. 'In conjunction with the event, a 'Kanthan Kaavadi' workshop will be held, spearheaded by Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasamy. 'The workshop seeks to preserve and promote traditional Hindu art forms, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. 'The deputy minister's presence at the forthcoming ceremony underscores the government's support for cultural heritage preservation and multiracial harmony,' he added. Velmurugan extended an open invitation to all Malaysians, not just the Hindu community to witness the celebration of history, art, and unity. For more information, contact 014-9441527.
New Indian Express
25-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Agama violation: Two Perur temple staff suspended
COIMBATORE: Two employees of the Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple in Perur have been suspended for allowing a superintendent of police (SP) to worship inside the sanctum sanctorum after temple hours on Sunday. The HR&CE department suspended Velmurugan, a staff member, and Saminathan, a priest, on Wednesday after a video purportedly showing the SP's late-night visit went viral on social media. Following the incident, a devotee had staged a sit-in protest in front of the temple along with members of the Hindu Munnani, demanding action against those who permitted the entry. Sources said the temple staff allowed the officer inside based on instructions from a senior HR&CE official. However, access to the inner precincts of temples after 9 pm is considered a violation of the Agama Vidhi (the temple's rituals and practices prescribed in the Agama scriptures). Meanwhile, the HR&CE department has also banned devotees from carrying cellphones inside the temple. The restriction came into effect on Thursday, coinciding with the Adi Amavasai, when thousands of devotees flock to the shrine. A dedicated counter has been set up to collect mobile phones, and tokens are being issued in exchange. However, officials denied that the ban was linked to the SP incident, stating that the move was already under consideration to prevent devotees from photographing the deities.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
21 booked for attacking DMK councillor, vandalising her house
Trichy: The KK Nagar police booked 21 people including the owner of a construction firm for assaulting a DMK councillor and damaging a car, television and furniture at her house on Thursday. Police said one Ramamoorthy approached councillor R Malarvizhi of ward 64 with a complaint that around two feet of his land was misused for the ongoing stormwater drainage work between LIC Colony and K Sathanur areas. Subsequently, the councillor questioned Velmurugan, the owner of R V Construction and sought an explanation. A verbal altercation erupted between the councillor and the contractor on Wednesday over the deviations in the work, police said. Around 5pm on Thursday, instigated by Velmurugan, the firm's supervisor Prakash and around 20 others barged into the councillor's house on Lourdusamy Pillai Street and assaulted her. They also damaged items including a car in the house. Based on the complaint from councillor's daughter-in-law P Nivetha, police booked a case against 21 people under various sections of BNS Act, The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and Section 4 of the women harassment act. Police have not arrested anyone so far.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC: Where did cops get power to close 121 plaints against Ponmudy?
Chennai: From where did the Tamil Nadu police draw power to close all 112 complaints against former DMK minister K Ponmudy for his alleged derogatory statements against women, Shaivites, and Vaishnavites, asked Madras high court on Tuesday. In response, advocate general P S Raman submitted that all the cases were closed after following due process by conducting a preliminary inquiry under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It was concluded that the speech did not amount to hate speech; therefore, the complaints were closed, the AG added. The remedy available to the complainants does not end here. Under BNSS, they have an option to appeal to the inspector general and the DGP if they are not satisfied with the findings of the investigating officer, AG said. In response to the AG's claim that the former minister was just quoting an incident that occurred 60 years ago, Justice P Velmurugan said, "Can you (TN police) say that only the original speaker can be punished and not the subsequent speaker who made the same speech?" You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai "They (politicians) cannot act like kings; the court cannot tolerate such behaviour. They must respect the public who are the victims," the judge said. "Let them (complainants) exhaust their remedies; meanwhile, we (court) will keep the contempt petition pending. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One plan. Total peace of mind. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo We will watch vigilantly," Justice Velmurugan said. People in public life must understand that this country is for all and not for a particular class of citizens, he added. Asserting that he will keep the suo motu contempt open, Justice Velmurugan directed the state police to ensure that all the complainants are served with the closure notice. "If anyone comes to the court alleging that they have not been served with the closure notice, the court will be constrained to take serious action," the judge said and adjourned the hearing to Aug 1.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Madras high court questions TN police's closure of 121 complaints against former minister Ponmudy
CHENNAI: The on Tuesday questioned from where the Tamil Nadu police derived the power to pass judgments and close all 112 complaints filed against former DMK minister K Ponmudy for his alleged derogatory statements against women, Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Advocate-general P S Raman submitted that all the cases were closed after following due process by conducting a preliminary inquiry under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). It was concluded that the speech did not amount to hate speech; therefore, the complaints were closed, the AG added. In response to the AG's claim that the former minister was just quoting an incident that occurred 60 years ago, Justice P Velmurugan said, 'Can you (TN police) say that only the original speaker can be punished and not the subsequent speaker who made the same speech?' Poll Should politicians be held accountable for derogatory statements, even if quoting historical incidents? Yes, they should be accountable. No, context matters. 'They (politicians) cannot act like a king; the court cannot tolerate such behaviour. They must respect the public who are the victims,' the judge said. The remedy available to the complainants does not end here. Under the BNSS, they have an option to appeal to the inspector of general and the DGP if they are not satisfied with the findings of the investigating officer, the AG said. 'Let them (complainants) exhaust their remedies. Meanwhile, we (court) will keep the contempt petition pending. We will watch vigilantly,' Justice Velmurugan said. 'Nowadays, all the people think that the sky is the limit for them; we cannot be silent spectators. We are living in a democratic country; they (politicians) are bound to follow the constitution,' the judge said. People in public life must understand that this country is for all and not for a particular class of citizens, he added. Asserting that he will keep the suo motu contempt open, Justice Velmurugan directed the state police to ensure that all the complainants are served with the closure notice. 'If anyone comes to the court alleging that they have not been served with the closure notice, the court will be constrained to take serious action,' the judge said and adjourned the hearing to August 1.
