TN govt digs in heels as row over Ayodhya Mandapam takeover intensifies

Situated in Chennai’s T Nagar, the temple was run by the Sri Ram Samaj, and an order to bring it under the government’s fold was issued in December 2013 by the then J Jayalalithaa establishment.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin (File)

The takeover of Ayodhya Mandapam by the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department has sparked a controversy in the state. Situated in Chennai’s T Nagar, the temple was run by the Sri Ram Samaj, and an order to bring it under the government’s fold was issued in December 2013 by the then J Jayalalithaa establishment.

However, recently, when the HR&CE department officials executed the order and completed the takeover of the 64-year-old temple, they faced strong opposition, including from the BJP.

The Samaj, which is backed by a section of residents and Hindu outfits, has argued that the Ayodhya Mandapam is “neither a temple nor built with public money” and that the “public didn’t worship the temple”. They also say that they “do not do pujas as per Agama Sastra”, there is “no idol consecration or worshipping”, and that the functions conducted on special days only include “homam and Veda Parayanams”.

The 2013 government order says the Sri Ram Samaj is a public temple as per Section 6(20) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

“There are idols and regular poojas conducted. The public is visiting the temple for pujas. They are collecting a huge amount through the hundial (collection box), which is not accounted for. An order was issued in 2013 following complaints of mismanagement of the temple and funds by a few members of the Samaj,” said an HR&CE official.

The HR&CE department looks after more than 35,000 temples in the state as per the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act 1959. Their work includes maintenance of historical structures, carrying out renovations, implementing welfare schemes etc.

While Hindu outfits and powerful groups led by godman Jaggi Vasudev have been leading social media campaigns to “free Hindu temples from the clutches of the government”, the DMK government that came to power last year has retrieved encroached temple land worth Rs 2,000 crore in different parts of the state.

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A writ petition filed by Samaj in the Madras high court was dismissed on March 31. Following a fresh petition after the takeover, the court refused to intervene immediately on April 12, and asked the government to file a reply by April 21.

As members of the BJP and some Hindu outfits protested against the takeover on April 11, Chief Minister M K Stalin defended the government’s move. Replying to an attention motion by BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, Stalin accused the party of trying to “politicise the issue” and that “they will not succeed.”

Arun Janardhanan

Arun Janardhanan Tamil Nadu Correspondent for The Indian Express, a leading national daily newspaper. Based in the state, his work focuses on providing deep, ground-level coverage of Tamil Nadu’s complex political, judicial, and cultural landscape, establishing his high degree of Expertise and Authority in this critical region. Expertise Geographic Focus: As the Tamil Nadu Correspondent, Arun covers the state comprehensively, offering readers localized insights into major political shifts and social issues. Key Coverage Areas: His recent reporting demonstrates in-depth knowledge across several vital beats: State Politics and Governance: Detailed coverage of the DMK and AIADMK, the rise of new political entrants like actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party dynamics, and federal issues involving the Governor and the Centre. Legal and Judicial Matters: In-depth reporting on high-profile Madras High Court cases, particularly those involving religious and cultural disputes (e.g., the Madurai temple-dargah row) and legal actions against officials. Culture and Social Issues: Reporting on the activities of cultural outfits (e.g., Hindu Munnani) and debates surrounding language and cultural priorities. Disaster and Crisis Reporting: Timely updates on natural calamities like cyclones and their impact on the state, such as the prolonged rains in Chennai. ... Read More