The marriage halls owned by temples will not be rented out hereafter to movements professing atheism and functions where non-vegetarian foods are served. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR and CE) has sent a letter to this effect to the temple administrations in the Cauvery delta districts.
This decision was taken following a petition by the Jothimalai Iraipani Thirukkoottam an organisation based in Kumbakonam. In their letter to the Chief Minister’s cell, the office-bearers of the organisation have complained that a meeting of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), professing atheism, was organised in a marriage hall administered by a Siva temple in Kankoduthavanitham village in Tiruvarur district few months ago.
Following this, the Joint Commissioner of the HR and CE based in Mayiladuthurai sent a circular to the executive officers of the temples which own halls including Swamimalai and Oppiliappan temples.
In the circular, it was indicated that the halls should not be rented to those who does not have principles that upholds Hinduism, atheists who deny God’s existence and for functions where liquor and non-vegetarian food is served.