Thanjavur: Expressing shock over permission given by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for conducting spiritual classes for two days by 'Art of Living' (AOL) of Sri Sri Ravishankar at the Big temple at Thanjavur, Thol.Thirumavalavan, president of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) appealed to the state government to stop the programme.
In a statement here, Thirumavalavan said that 'AOL' has got permission to conduct spiritual classes on December 7 and 8 in the temple. Arrangements have been made and pandal and stages have been put. "I also learnt that Rs 3,000 per person is collected for the programme. How can a private party be permitted to conduct the programme in a world -heritage monument? Moreover, it will spoil the environs of Big temple. Art of Living was fined by Supreme court to pay Rs 5 crore when it conducted "Ulaga pathukappu vizha" (world cultural festival) on the tanks of Yamuna and spoiled its banks," said Thirumavalavan.
He also demanded action against those who gave permission.
Meanwhile, Periya Kovil Pathukappu Iyakkam here also objected to the programme. P. Maniarasan, coordinator of the Iyakkam said that the programme should be stopped forthwith. Big temple, a world heritage monument, should be protected, he said.
