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‘Archakas failed to complain about idol thefts in temples’
Describing the functioning of temples priests (Archakas) to that of robots, the Madras High Court on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over such archakas working mechanically without any devotion unaware of idols either going missing or being robbed.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
The division bench comprising Justice R Mahadevan and Justice P D Audikesavalu made this observation while hearing a plea seeking a direction to change the peacock idol at Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore and thereafter hold its Kumbabishegam.
The petitioner Rangarajan Narasimhan had contended that at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple there was a peacock idol holding a flower in its beak. But this had disappeared some time ago. Later, this idol was replaced with another peacock idol with a snake in its beak. This, he said was totally against Agama and ought to be changed.
To this, the bench observed that the archakas, despite dedicating themselves to the service of God, had failed to even complain about the theft and disappearance of idols to the authorities concerned.
However, the bench on recording the HR&CE counsel’s submission that an enquiry is under way into the alleged disappearance of the peacock with the flower and would prefer to file a counter, directed the HR&CE department to file a reply to the petition within four weeks.
The petitioner also sought for a direction to remove the present trustees and officials and a consequential direction to constitute a committee led by a retired High Court Judge with Agama experts to administer the Kapaleeshwarar temple.
KNOW THE CASE
A quick recall of the plea filed and case proceedings at the Madras High Court
- A plea sought direction to install a new peacock idol at Kapaleeshwarar temple
- The petitioner contended that at the temple there was a peacock idol that disappeared. Later, the idol was replaced with another peacock idol against Agama sastras
- Bench observed that archakas failed to even complain about the theft
- Directed HR&CE department to file a reply to the petition within four weeks
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