In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the nation, a Dikshitar of the revered Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu was allegedly assaulted by a female police officer, who forcefully cut his sacred Poonool (sacred thread). The incident, which occurred on June 27th, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of temples and Hindus by the anti-Hindu government.

The wife of the assaulted Dikshitar expressed her anger and disbelief at the incident, demanding justice and media attention for this blatant act of violence against her husband.

The Assault and Dismay: During a press conference held by the Temple authorities, the wife of the assaulted Dikshitar revealed the horrifying details of the incident. A video capturing her husband's defenseless state went viral, showing him feeling dizzy and in need of medical attention. She disclosed that her husband's Poonool was cut, and his traditional veshti (dhoti) was forcibly pulled.

"They cut his Poonool (sacred thread). How can they do that?" she questioned, her voice filled with anguish. She further emphasized the violation of personal space, raising concerns about the role reversal in media coverage if the genders were switched. She dared the female official responsible for pushing her husband to face her and demanded justice for the egregious act.

The Complaint and Advocacy: Following the incident, the Dikshitar, whose Poonool was allegedly cut, filed a formal complaint at the local police station. In his complaint, he narrated how officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department and the police forcefully interrupted his Pooja (ritual worship) at the temple. He accused them of assaulting him, pushing him, tearing his clothes, and ultimately cutting his sacred thread.

The advocate representing the Dikshitars confirmed the authenticity of the incident and questioned the need for such a violent attack that resulted in the cutting off of the sacred thread. The incident has sparked public outrage, with people expressing their dismay at the government's interference and harassment of temple authorities and Hindu devotees.

What exactly happened

The dikshitars, who have faithfully managed the temple for generations, are being targeted and accused of withholding information from the government. This attempt to illegally seize control of the temple is met with staunch resistance from the dikshitars and their supporters, who argue for the preservation of the temple's independence and religious traditions.

The dikshitars made the decision to deny permission for devotees to offer prayers from the holy stage during the ongoing Aani Thirumanjanam festival. Displaying a board indicating the restriction, they aimed to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival and prevent overcrowding. However, HR&CE officials attempted to remove the board, leading to a confrontation with the dikshitars. The matter escalated, resulting in the booking of the committee secretary and others under various sections of the IPC and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. In subsequent peace talks, the dikshitars stood firm on their stance, emphasizing that devotees could only offer prayers from the holy stage as per their planned schedule.

HR&CE Minister P K Sekar Babu openly declared the government's intention to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under its administrative control. However, these attempts have been met with resistance from the dikshitars and the temple community. Accusations of the dikshitars withholding information on temple funds and assets have been made by the government, aiming to justify its interference. The dikshitars, in response, assert that the board was simply placed to inform devotees and prevent overcrowding during the festival.

The dikshitars argue that the temple's management should remain under their control, as it has been for generations. They contend that a group of 200 priests, who are well-versed in the traditions and customs of the temple, should be entrusted with its administration. The HR&CE department's claims of mismanagement and lack of transparency are vehemently denied, as the dikshitars argue that the temple's accounts have not only been audited but also maintained diligently.

Despite the government's persistent attempts to seize control, the dikshitars and their legal representatives remain steadfast in their defense of the temple's autonomy. They express their commitment to justice, devotees' rights, and the preservation of the temple's unique heritage. The dikshitars emphasize their willingness to engage in legal battles and follow due process to protect the temple from unwarranted interference.

The ongoing struggle between the dikshitars and the HR&CE department over the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple represents a larger battle for the preservation of religious freedom and autonomy. The dikshitars, supported by devotees, firmly reject the government's attempts to seize control and allege mismanagement. As this contentious issue unfolds, the temple's custodians and their advocates remain determined to protect the temple's sacred traditions and ensure its continued independence from undue government interference.

Background and Controversies

The Chidambaram Temple has been embroiled in controversy for some time now. The Pothu Dikshitars, who have traditionally managed the temple for centuries, were accused of denying devotees permission to offer prayers from Kanagasabai during the Aani Thirumanjanam festival. However, the interference of the HR&CE department and the police in the temple's affairs has caused confusion and anger among devotees and temple administration.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court has already ruled against government interference in temple management. Despite these orders, the DMK-led government has continued to create controversies around the Chidambaram Temple, further raising concerns about the treatment of Hindu institutions and their custodians.

Prior controversies surrounding the Chidambaram Temple involved allegations of forcing minor girls to undergo the two-finger test, also known as the virginity test, in an attempt to defame the Podhu Dikshithars. The Tamil Nadu governor himself exposed this shocking truth, revealing the government officers' vengeance-driven actions.

The assault on the Dikshitar of the Chidambaram Temple has stirred outrage and highlighted the anti-Hindu sentiments prevailing in the Tamil Nadu government. The incident has ignited a call for justice and a demand to protect the sanctity of temples and the rights of Hindus. The government's interference and harassment of temple authorities have been met with anger and concern from the public, who seek to preserve the sacred traditions and cultural heritage

Outrage mounts as Tamil Nadu Government attempts to seize control of Chidambaram Temple in defiance of Supreme Court ruling

In a move that has sparked outrage among Hindus and devotees, the Tamil Nadu government is making deliberate attempts to bring the revered Nataraja temple in Chidambaram under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. This audacious move comes despite a clear ruling by the Supreme Court stating that the government has no authority to interfere in temple management. The actions of the HR&CE department have ignited a wave of protest and anger, as they disregard the sanctity of religious institutions and trample upon the rights of Hindus.

The Sinister Agenda Unveiled: Tamil Nadu's HR&CE minister, Sekar Babu, shamelessly admitted that efforts are underway to bring the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram under the control of his department. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Hindu community, as it signifies a blatant disregard for the religious sentiments and independence of temples.

Babu claims that the government is collecting details and taking steps to assert control over the temple. Such actions not only defy the constitutional rights of the temple authorities but also undermine the autonomy that religious institutions have enjoyed for centuries.

The Supreme Court has unequivocally declared that the government has no authority to interfere in temple management. Despite this clear directive, the HR&CE department is persistently attempting to seize control of the Nataraja temple. This deliberate violation of the highest court's ruling is a direct attack on the rights of Hindus and the sacred traditions associated with the temple.

Unjustified Interference and Provocations: Recent incidents involving the Dikshitars (priests) at the Chidambaram Nataraja temple have caused a stir. The Dikshitars rightfully restricted devotees from entering the Kanagasabai area for darshan during the Aani Thirumanjanam festival. However, the HR&CE officials callously removed the board placed by the Dikshitars, announcing these restrictions. This act of provocation and interference led to a heated argument between the Dikshitars and the officials.

Uproar against HR&CE Department: The Hindu community and devotees of the Nataraja temple have expressed their outrage at the actions of the HR&CE department. They firmly believe that the department's attempts to bring the temple under its control are motivated by an anti-Hindu agenda. The sanctity and heritage of the temple, which have been preserved by the Dikshitars for generations, are at risk of being undermined by the interference of an insensitive government body.

Preserving Temple Autonomy and Hindu Rights: The unwarranted intervention by the HR&CE department not only violates the rights of Hindus but also jeopardizes the sacred traditions and cultural heritage associated with the Nataraja temple. Hindus from all walks of life are uniting to protest against this audacious power grab, demanding that the government respect the autonomy of religious institutions and uphold the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution.

The Tamil Nadu government's attempts to bring the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram under the control of the HR&CE department are a direct affront to the religious sentiments of Hindus. In defiance of a Supreme Court ruling, the government is trampling upon the autonomy and sacred traditions of temples. The Hindu community stands united against this unjust interference, demanding that the government respect their rights and preserve the sanctity of their religious institutions.

On Tuesday, the Chidambaram town police in Cuddalore district booked 11 podhu dikshitars, the hereditary priests and custodians of the Lord Nataraja Temple, on charges of obstructing officials from the Hindu religious and charitable endowment (HR&CE) department from performing their duties.

Upholding Tradition and Heritage: The Resilience of Chidambaram's Podu Dikshitars

In the ancient town of Chidambaram, the Podu Dikshitars, a revered community of Smarthi Brahmins, have dedicated their lives to serving Lord Nataraja in the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. These custodians of tradition and culture have become the subject of controversy as they defend their rights and autonomy against unwarranted government interference. In light of a Supreme Court ruling recognizing their proprietary rights and fundamental freedoms, the dikshitars are resolutely fighting to protect their heritage and preserve the sacred traditions of the temple.

The Podu Dikshitars, who trace their lineage back through generations, believe they were called to establish and serve the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Their entire lives revolve around their religious duties, education, training, and cultural practices centered on the temple. The dikshitars dedicate themselves to Lord Nataraja and devote their lives to the spiritual well-being of the temple and its worshippers.

In 2014, the Supreme Court clarified the boundaries of government intervention in temple management. While the government has the authority to address instances of maladministration, the Court emphasized that such intervention should be temporary and resolved once the issues are rectified. Prolonged government control would infringe upon the proprietary rights of the concerned individuals, violating their fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The dikshitars' cause has garnered support from devotees, scholars, and legal experts who recognize the significance of preserving cultural autonomy and religious freedom. Their solidarity emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights and traditions of the dikshitars, whose commitment to the temple's well-being is unparall

In their relentless battle against government interference, the dikshitars strive to ensure that the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple remains a bastion of heritage and spirituality. They stand firm in their belief that the temple's administration should be entrusted to those who have dedicated their lives to its service and preservation.

The struggles faced by the Podu Dikshitars in safeguarding the traditions and independence of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple reflect a larger battle for cultural preservation and religious autonomy. Their unwavering commitment to Lord Nataraja and the temple's spiritual sanctity is a testament to their dedication and unwavering resolve. By upholding their proprietary rights and asserting their fundamental freedoms, the dikshitars are not only protecting their own heritage but also preserving an invaluable piece of India's cultural mosaic for generations to come.