An investigation is underway at the famous Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur after a priest allegedly demanded ₹1,000 per head from HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh and his aides during a surprise inspection at 5:00 AM on Friday.
The incident occurred despite the temple administration recently suspending all paid darshan formats to ensure free, equal access for all devotees during the ongoing Vaigasi Visagam festival (May 28-31).
Sources revealed that the Minister arrived unannounced and sent his Personal Assistant ahead to arrange darshan for a group of four through the Shanmugavilas Mandapam. An archakar on duty allegedly demanded ₹1,000 per person. The Minister’s PA transferred the requested ₹4,000 via digital payment mode.
Following the transaction, Minister Ramesh alerted senior temple officials, including the Joint Commissioner, about his presence. Officials were caught off guard when the Minister confronted them with the digital payment receipt as proof of the malpractice. He demanded an explanation from top administrative officers regarding how a section of priests was still being allowed to fleece devotees.
The Minister later joined the general public, standing in the regular queue for two hours to offer his prayers. Around 8:00 AM, he visited the Annadhanam Mandapam to inspect and taste the food being served to pilgrims.
Following his inspection, Minister Ramesh convened a high-level review meeting with Joint Commissioner Ramu, Executive Officer Superintendents Ramamurthu, Viveks, and Vijayalakshmi, along with Assistant Security Officer Ramachandran and other staff.
The incident highlights a persistent issue at the shrine, which has previously faced numerous complaints from pilgrims alleging that certain archakars illegally charge money to guide visitors through the VVIP pathway at the Shanmugavilas Mandapam.
Temples must remain sacred spaces where all devotees receive equal darshan without financial barriers.
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