Karaikal: A controversy is brewing over the opening of the gates of the famous Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple in Tirunallar ahead of the conventional time on Saturday during the visit of actor Vijay.
Karaikal based lawyer S.P.S. Nathan alleges that temple authorities violated the Agama Shastras by opening the main gate of the ancient shrine at 2:30 am, ahead of conventional time to enable Vijay to visit the temple.
“Agama Shastras cannot be flexible and could not be violated for the visit of VIPs. This is the month of Margazhi and the temple normally should open at 5 am and not 3 am as was done.
Action should be taken against actor Vijay, temple officials and others who were responsible for the violation of time honoured conventions and shastras,” Nathan told this newspaper.
When contacted, Rajarajan Veerasamy, temple EO, said that the main gates of the temple was opened at 3:40 am and not at 2:30 am. He said it was allowed to open the main gates between 3 and 4 am during the month of Margazhi. As it was a Saturday a large flow of devotees was expected and with a VIP visit, the shrine was opened at 3:40 am.
He added that opening of the main gates ahead of the conventional time was in vogue particularly during the visit of VIPs. The agitated lawyer may not have been convinced by the explanation and he dashed off a letter to the District Administration seeking action for injuring the sentiments of Hindus.
