Below is an excerpt of a recent article regarding the Nataraja Temple Temples
“The verdict given by the Single Judge of the Madras High Court upholding the appointment of an Executive Officer by the HR & CE Department of the Tamilnadu government in order to take control of the administration of the Chidambaram (Thillai)
These moves are a real threat to the sanctity of the temple and will certainly prove sacrilegious, as evidenced by the atrocious commercialisation of hundreds of great temples like Srirangam Ranganathar, Madurai Meenakshi, Thiruvannamalai, Pazhani Murugan, Chennai Kapaleeshwarar, Thiruchendur Murugan and many others.”
To read about the ancestral structure and hierarchy at Chidambaram Temple go to this link here.
I've visited this temple a few times and to get an Archana done they charge 250 rs, everything is unofficial and goes into Dhikshadars personal income. Besides the priests also have their own schemes (unofficial) right from Mailing Vibudhi Prasadham monthly to other sevas for which they cajole you until you accept. People who cannot afford to pay those fat sums will be deprived of Archana and Chidambara Ragisyam Seva. I saw some genuine grouse among people who couldn't afford it.
ReplyDeleteCleansing a system will not be free of Partisan politics and Pain.
The best option would be to Raise the pay for all temple priests to meet a decent living and moderate the Archana, Seva Charges by relinquishing control from Proprietary practices.