Tamil Nadu: Ban over men carrying Mayiladuthurai seer in palanquin sparks row
India Today
The Mayiladuthurai Collectorate has denied permission to the tradition of devotees carrying the seer of Mayiladuthurai Dharmapuram Adheenam in a palanquin. The Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) had warned of protests against the practice, calling it regressive and “a violation of human rights.”
The Mayiladuthurai Collectorate in Tamil Nadu has refused permission for the tradition of devotees carrying the seer of the Dharmapuram Adheenam in a palanquin called the ‘Pattina Pravesam’. The Dharmapuram Adheenam is a saivite monastic institution based in the town of Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu.
Authorities denied permission stating the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) cadres warned of mass protest against the practice of men carrying a man, calling it regressive. The order also called the practice a “violation of human rights.”
Dharmapuram Adheenam representatives had made a request with the district administration to allow the centuries-old practice, stating that devotees carried the seer out of devotion and that there was no compulsion involved.
The seer of Madurai Adheenam, who took offence at the district Collectorate's order, stated that he was hurt by the order that banned a 500-year-old practice which was carried out religiously.
“This tradition was not even banned by the British. I studied and grew up there. I will go there directly and we’ll conduct it. It should not be stopped, you should not get involved in tradition. Until now, it has not stopped. Why is the palanquin tradition being banned now?” stated Gnanasambandha Desigar, seer of Madurai Adheenam.
The Madurai Adheenam is the oldest Saivite institution in South India. It is located near the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, one of the most important ShivaShakti shrines.
“He is the Guru. For example, the Tamil Nadu CM is respected for his seat. Just like how Christians have a Pope and the Vatican, Dharmapuram Adheenam prevails for us”, he stated.
