Madras High Courts have ruled that Non-Hindus cannot enter into temples while hearing a plea from D Senthilkumar for direction to permit only Hindus into Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and sub-temples.
The court ordered to display of a board stating no entry for Non-Hindus. The court said several terms that should be followed by people when entering the temples which are detailed here clearly. Take a few seconds and read to know about them.
2023 Senthil Kumar Plea:
Senthil Kumar filed a plea in the court looking for directions that state no entry for Non-Hindus into the temples in June last year which came for hearing now. He stated that
“a Muslim family along with women in ‘Burquas’ came and purchased the tickets for entry into the temple at Winch station with the temple being on the hilltop. Authorities say they were taking pictures without permission and argued stating no sign or board is stating no entry for Non-Hindus when stopping them.”
Due to this Senthil Kumar filed a plea in court to seek directions from the court that entry for only Hindus. Hearing the case, the court directed the Tamil Nadu Government and the State Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department to not allow Non-Hindus into the temples in the state.
The Condition To Visit Temple:
The justice bench led by Justice S Srimathy asked to place boards saying “non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple after Kodimaram” saying that temples are “not a picnic spot or tourists spot”. The court ordered respondents to not allow the Non-Hindus into the temple who do not believe in the Hindu religion. Also,
The respondents should take a response from the non-Hindu stating that he has faith in the deity upon which he should follow all the customs and practices of the temple which are part of the Hindu religion. Only upon the statement from non-Hindu, he can be allowed into the temple from now on.
Limitation In Temples:
The court also said this applies only to Palani temples in the state however this issue applies to all the Hindu temples with opposition statements canceled since these limitations will be responsible for peace in the society.
Adding further the court stated people have the right to practice their religion along with not disturbing other religious practices. The temple can be visited by anyone either for its admiration or monumental architecture but not ahead of Kodimaram (this Kodimaram is situated just after the main entrance of the temple) from on. However, the court refused the denial of installing this type of board which hurt the religious sentiments of visitors stated by the state government.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Case:
The government argued that lord Murugan is worshipped by other religions too who follow temple customs upon visiting and said it is the government and administration’s duty to protect the rights of all people who have faith in the deity from other religions which falls against the rights.
This was rejected by the court after referring to a new paper incident of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai considered eating non-vegetarian in temple premises is not allowed.
Conclusion:
The impact of this limitation is faced by all people who believe in other religions without any barriers but they can be approved for entry upon stating their belief in the Hindu deities as stated by the court. This limitation can serve the purpose of peace in society which otherwise might cause huge debates and fights between religious people in small debates between groups of people.
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