Tamil Nadu: Ilaiyaraaja denied entry to sanctum sanctorum at Srivilliputhur temple

Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja was reportedly denied entry to the sanctum sanctorum of the Srivilliputhur Andal temple in Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening, according to local media reports.

Several videos, which has gone viral on social media, shows Ilaiyaraaja being stopped by temple officials from entering the Artha Mandapam, located in front of the temple's sanctum sanctorum. Temple authorities allegedly requested the renowned musician to leave the sacred chamber, citing temple protocols.

Ilaiyaraaja, who had visited the temple to seek blessings ahead of the release of his music composition Divya Pasuram, was accompanied by Sadagopa Ramanuja Iyer and Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Sri Andal Jeeyar Mutt. The music maestro was escorted out of the temple premises, and a separate video shows him continuing his prayers from outside the sanctum.

Despite being asked to step out, Ilaiyaraaja was later honored with garlands by the priests. Prior to this incident, he had attended a Divya Pasuram music concert at the temple.