Row over preventing Ilaiyaraaja from entering arthamandapam at Andal temple

Ilaiyaraaja denies being denied entry to Andal temple, clarifies misunderstanding, urges fans to ignore rumors.

Describing as rumours the media reports that he was denied entry to the arthamandapam of the Andal temple on Sunday, music composer Ilaiyaraaja said he would never give up his self-respect.

Responding to the reports, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja posted a message on the social media platform X, stating that rumours were being spread about an incident that never occurred. He appealed to his fans not to believe such rumours.

Video clips of the music composer abruptly exiting the arthamandapam were aired by television channels, sparking a debate on the ‘discrimination’ against a devout person.

Temple official’s clarification

However, the temple’s Executive Officer, S. Sakkaraiammal, clarified that the arthamandapam, where the urchavar of the presiding deities, Andal, Rengamannar and Garudalwar, are placed, was treated as an extension of the sanctum sanctorum.

“Hence, no one other than the priests and the heads of mutts is allowed into the arthamandapam,” she said.

Ms. Sakkaraiammal, who was present at the temple at the time of the incident, said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja was walking behind Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar and Satagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar at the crowded temple.