Row after TN denies permission to age-old tradition of carrying pontiff on palanquin

Dharmapuram Adheenam, an age-old tradition in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, has been denied permission this time by the Stalin government, which claims it “dents human dignity”.

As per the annual ritual, devotees carry a mutt’s seer on a palanquin, which the district administration has objected to, inviting the ire of the seers and political parties like the AIADMK and BJP.

Confirming that the order to restrict carrying the pontiff was issued on Monday in consultation with senior officials and under the guidance of the district administration, a senior Revenue official said the order was issued invoking the provisions of Article 23 of the Constitution of India.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said the DMK government has no business interfering in the mutt’s traditions. Annamalai said he would lift the palanquin himself if the permission is denied.

NDTV quoted Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal, the 293rd pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam, who said, “Dharmapuram Adheenam is a major religious centre for Shaivites and the practices at this ancient monastic institution should be respected and not opposed.” He asked Chief Minister M K Stalin to intervene and make sure the event takes place as per the tradition.

Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal said he will himself carry the seer on his shoulders if the district administration doesn’t give the permission.

“This event symbolises the pupils’ veneration for their guru and they voluntarily carry their guru on their shoulders, as their dakshina (offering),” the Madurai Aadheenam said.

Objection to Dharmapuram Adheenam

During the annual Pattina Pravesam procession, the pontiff of the Aadheenam, founded in the 16th century, is carried on a decorated palanquin and he is greeted by his devotees. This has been a custom for ages.

Recently, certain fringe elements objected to persons carrying the pontiff during the procession. The Revenue authorities decided to enforce a ban to avert any break in law and order in the district, it was said.

Also read: Inmates of de-addiction centre in Chennai allegedly tortured for months; 7 arrested

Asked if the order would not amount to interfering with the religious practices of the ancient institution, the senior Revenue official told PTI that that the Aadheenam was free to approach the court. “But Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour,” the official said.

Tamil Nadu minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P K Sekar Babu said the Chief Minister will speak to the mutt’s chief to resolve the issue.

(With inputs from agencies)