The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed pleas seeking permission to perform Velvi Kunda Nigalvugal (sacred fire ritual) and permit recitation of Tamil spiritual hymns on an “equal footing” with Sanskrit during the upcoming Kumbabishegam at Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
Justice C. Saravanan held that a writ court acting under Article 226 of the Constitution cannot make laws in the absence of an enabling statutory or delegated framework, observing that “it is for the Legislature or the Executive to take a call” on whether people from outside of the temple be allowed to participate in such events.
The Kumbabishegam, a temple consecration ceremony ordinarily conducted once in twelve years, at the Madurai temple is scheduled for September 17, 2026.
The court noted that Tamil hymns are already being recited by Othuvars in the temples. “The recitation of Tamil hymns, including the Tamil spiritual mantras by the Othuvars, has already been implemented and is in practice,” the court said.
However, a direction granting Tamil hymns an equal status alongside Sanskrit in Yaga Salai, Karuvarai and Gopura Vimanam spaces cannot be issued under Article 226, the court held, reiterating that the writ court’s role is to implement and declare the law, rather than create it.
The court further noted that the issue of recitation of hymns in non-Sanskrit languages, including Tamil, is under consideration of a government-appointed panel, formed pursuant to a Division Bench order dated August 19, 2021. The recitation of Tamil hymns will be subject to that committee’s recommendations, the court said.
Opposing the petitioners’ prayers, the respondents submitted that the temple strictly follows the Agamas in performing all rituals, including Kumbabishegam, which can only be performed by Sthanika Battars of the temple. The court observed that temples constructed as per Agamas must strictly adhere to the Agamic rituals, placing reliance on the Supreme Court ruling in Seshammal vs. State of Tamil Nadu.
Follow Dharmic News for more updates on Hindu community issues and global affairs.
