Chennai/Trichy.
In a very shocking development, an official TN government’s Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department allegedly attacked Ayyappa devotees from Andhra Pradesh at the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Trichy.
The devotees, on a pilgrimage that involves travelling across Tamil Nadu before reaching Sabarimala in Kerala, had visited the Trichy Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple. The shocking incident has raised concerns about the government’s approach towards Hindu sentiments and the sanctity of temple premises.
Iyappa devotees were reportedly beaten in Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy temple by @tnhrcedept staff for chanting Govinda Govinda.
Despite devotees protesting, they were reportedly swiftly removed by the police.pic.twitter.com/zznULVGAIr
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 12, 2023
It all started when the devotees standing near the sanctum sanctorum, chanted ‘Govinda-Govinda,’ a traditional chant associated with Venkateshwara Swamy. Allegedly, security guards instructed them to stop chanting, leading to a confrontation.
An argument broke out between the guarding officials and the devotees which soon escalated into a scuffle. Following this, an official attack on Chenna Rao, in which he got injured.
In a viral video shared by temple activist Rangarajan Narasimhan, blood can be seen spilt all over the floor with the injured man sitting in protest demanding action against officials.
Upon witnessing the situation, other Ayyappa devotees gathered, and the police were called in to intervene. Complaints have been filed by both parties, and further investigation is underway.
Calling it a matter an arrogance of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department, Tamil Nadu BJP chief, K Annamalai, said, “BJP Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district unit will today hold a protest outside the Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple against the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department, demanding the strictest action against those spoiling the sanctity of the Temple.”
