TN to contest ASI temple takeover

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to file a writ petition in the Madras High Court challenging the preliminary notification of the Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) for taking over the Arunachaleswarar temple in Thiruvannamalai.

The decision was taken at a meeting conducted by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa today, a government press release said. ‘‘This temple has grown to be religious centre of international importance as an abode of faith than as a site of archaeological importance,’’ the release said. ‘‘The ASI did not consult the state government before making the unilateral move,’’ it added.

Referring to the ASI’s announcement that it would spend Rs 2 crore over temple maintenance, the government said the HR&CE department could mobilise more funds through donations.

In Thiruvannamalai, devotees joined in with the government and observed a 12-hr bandh today. The bandh was called by the Temple Protection Struggle Committee. Inside the temple, notices have been put up urging devotees to send their objections to the move in writing to the ASI Director General or the temple executive officer.