CUDDALORE: The Dikshidars have planned to file an appeal petition before the Madras High Court challenging the verdict of Justice R Banumathi on the management of the Lord Nataraja temple in Chidambaram. Sri Sabanayagar Temple Dikshidar Sabai is expected to file the petition shortly.
The High Court on Monday upheld the Government Order dated July 31, 1987, appointing an executive officer (EO), HR&CE, to administer the temple.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) officials, took over the Shaivite shrine on Monday night, following the High Court order. Joint Commissioner, HR&CE, Thirumagal, was present.
The officials spoke to the Dikshidars and temple priests over the development. The Dikshidars, however, refused to accept the government order appointing EO in the temple.
Following an argument, the Dikshidars permitted them to take over the temple. They also demanded the officials to present a copy of the High Court order.
A large number of devotees and local residents assembled near the temple, when the officials took over the temple. Many of them burst firecrackers outside the temple.
On Tuesday, the HR & CE set up a makeshift office on the temple premises. Meanwhile, member of Sri Sabanayaga Temple Podu Dikshida Sabai R Thangaraja Dikshidar stated, “We have not received a copy of the Madras High Court order. We are law abiding people. We will obey any government order and court direction. However, we have planned to move the High Court shortly.”
“The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments has appointed Krishnakumar as the executive officer of the temple. A 10-member official team will be appointed to assist him in temple administration. Regular pujas will be conducted by Dikshidars as usual. The officials have not received records and accounts from Dikshidars,” Thirumagal said.
Welcoming the court order, Arumuga Odhuvar said, “The government should set up a hundial in the shrine. Every one, including the poor, get an opportunity to offer prayer in the temple.
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