Temples That Withstood Test Of Time Are Places Of Archaeological Importance, It Reflects Historical Events: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has observed that the temples that have withstood the test of times are places of archaeological or historical importance.
The Court further added that they are not only built with extraordinary skill, but also reflect historical events termed as "legends".
"Temples that have withstood the test of time are places of archaeological or historical importance as they are not only built with extraordinary skill, but also reflect historical events termed as "legends" in common parlance and they are instrumental in the survival of the language of this land.", the bench of Justice R. Mahadevan and Justice J. Sathya Narayana Prasad observed.
The Court also observed that temples have played multiple roles in the development of society and civilization, and the regular and traditional functioning of the temples should be of paramount consideration.
The Court was dealing with a PIL seeking permission for the devotees to stay and observe fasting in the outer praharam of the Subramania Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur during the Kanda Shasti festival without any restriction.
Advocate H. Arumugam appeared for the petition whereas Special Government Pleader P. Subbaraj appeared for Respondents.
The Court observed that the Joint Commissioner of the said temple is justified in not permitting the devotees to stay inside the utpraharam of the temple, in order to maintain safety and security, provide a hygienic atmosphere and worship of the deity in a peaceful manner, without any discrimination.
The Court also considered the submission of the Joint Commissioner that recently, the Government has implemented a Master Plan Project worth about Rs.300 crores and as the work is in progress, in order to avoid any inconvenience to the devotees, the devotees were not permitted inside the utpraharam of the temple.
Therefore the Court held thus "…placing on record the submission made by the learned counsel for the third respondent in paragraph 15 supra, this court directs the third respondent to maintain the same status by not permitting anyone to stay inside the premises of the temple during festive and any other occasions. The third respondent is also directed to judiciously utilise the sum of Rs.300 crores…"
Cause Title- R. Sidhrangathan v. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments & Ors.
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