Protest against irregularities at Kanchi Varadaraja temple

Artcile BY D SUNDAR

Kanchipuram, Nov 24:

A protest was held near the Kanchipuram bus stand by the Kanchi Athivaradar Temple Protection Committee condemning alleged administrative irregularities and violations of Agama regulations at the historic Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

Protesters accused the officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of completely disregarding traditional Agama norms in the temple’s administration.

They alleged that devotees were being denied the right to perform rituals in the temple tank, Anantha Saras, particularly during Amavasya days, as the tank has been fenced and locked.The committee further charged that construction activities harmful to the temple’s ancient heritage structure were being undertaken without informing the Archaeology Department.

Protesters also alleged that despite there being no official entry fee for worship, devotees—especially from outside the region—were being charged under the pretext of issuing English-labelled tokens for Tamil archana services.

The demonstration was led by Hindu Munnani State Secretary Ravindran, with participation from State Organiser Rajesh, State Vice-President Parameswaran, BJP State President for Spiritual and Temple Development Cell Shelvi Damodaran, and BJP District President Jagatheesan.

Over 500 members of Hindu Munnani, Vishva Hindu Parishad activists, and volunteers joined the protest, raising slogans demanding action against temple administration officials.

Several local leaders, including Hindu Munnani District President Gnanavel and District Executive Member Santhosh Mohan, also took part in the protest, expressing strong opposition to the current administrative practices at the temple.