Temple in Salem sealed after caste Hindus prevent entry of Dalits
The Hindu
The temple is under the control of HR&CE department. In the previous instance, officials had intervened to facilitate temple entry of the Dalits two months ago during the consecration ceremony in October
Revenue officials sealed Sakthi Mariamman temple at Virudasampatti after caste Hindus prevented the entry of Dalits, on Sunday, December 25, 2022.
According to the police, the temple near Nangavalli comes under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department.
A few months ago, caste Hindus renovated this temple at a cost of ₹60 lakh, and the consecration ceremony was held.
Meanwhile, Dalit families in the village were not allowed into the temple to worship. Following this, revenue officials conducted talks with both sides on October 31, 2022, following which the Dalits were allowed into the temple.
However, when the Dalits arrived at the temple on Sunday evening to take part in the special pujas on the 48th day of ‘kumbhabishekam’, they were stopped by caste Hindu women who did not allow them to enter the temple again. Tension prevailed following the incident.
Upon receiving information, the police rushed to the spot and security was beefed up to prevent any untoward incident. The revenue officials conducted peace talks, but caste Hindus were firm in not allowing the Dalits inside the temple.
Following this, the revenue officials sealed the temple around 7.30 p.m. As a precautionary measure, police were deployed in the village.