HC dismiss petition against conduct of pooja outside temple | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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HC dismiss petition against conduct of pooja outside temple

PTI | By, Madurai
May 30, 2009 12:01 PM IST

The Madras High court has dismissed a writ petition challenging the conduct of yagasala poojas outside the famous Tiruchendur Sentil Andavar temple saying that it was not possible for the courts to interfere without authoritative materials from Agama Sastras (religious texts).

The Madras High court has dismissed a writ petition challenging the conduct of 'yagasala poojas' outside the famous Tiruchendur Sentil Andavar temple saying that it was not possible for the courts to interfere without authoritative materials from

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Agama Sastras

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(religious texts).

Diposing a writ petition filed by S Krishnamurthy, secretary of the Thirusuthanthirarkal(people who are entitled to do various services inside the temple except performing poojas) Justice R S Ramanathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court said the materials provided by both the parties in respect of 'Siva Agamam' are giving conflicting views about the place where the Yagasala can be established."

Besides, the judge said, the scriptures applicable to Saivite temples in general could not applicable to Tiruchendur temple becasue even as per the petitioner's contention, the temple was following seperate puja rules based on 'Kerala Tanthara Samuchiam.'

The judge said that several old practices such as closing the temple for 'Uchikala pooja' (mid day pooja) and distributing vibuthi (holy ash) made out of cow dung had been given up owing to steep increase in the number of pilgrims. Hence the temple management was authorised to decide the location of Yagasala, the judge said.

He directed the temple authorities to perform purification ceremonies in the place where they proposed to set up yagasala and to put up a temporary ceiling around the premises. The Yagasala also should be established as per religious scriptures, the judge said.

The petitioner said the consecration of the temple was to be held on July two. Two yagasalas- one for the Moolavar (main deity) and the other for Uthsavar(procession deity) should be established for the consecration.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board and Board of Trustees of the temple had decided to conduct the Yagasala pooja for the procession deity outside the temple premises against the age-old custom and tradition, the petitioner said.

The purpose of Yagasala would not be achieved unless it was connected to the deity with a grass rope called Dharba soothram and fumes emanating from homa kundams (fire pits) reached the deity to add power to it, he said quoting a book written by Muthiah Bhattar.

The temple management relied on the book called Vama Deva Pathathi and Uthira Karana Agamam to claim that any purified place could be used for establishing yaga sala.

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