Salem temple sanctum sanctorum to be left out of renovation

Chennai, Sept 8: The Madras High Court has directed authorities not to demolish or modify the sanctum sanctorum of the famous Kottai Mariyamman temple in Salem during its ongoing renovation.

Justice M Sathyanarayanan gave the direction to the Executive Officer of the temple on a petition by Kottai Sree Periya Marriyamman Charitable Trust represented by its founder S Rajini Senthil and posted it to Sept 22 for further hearing.

According to the petitioner, the Sanctum and sanctorum of the temple has its holiness as it was believed that some herbal essence like “Nava Pashanam” had been used while constructing it. Despite objections from the public and the trust, the authorities of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department removed the golden and copper plates from the walls of the sanctum sanctorum.

He further submitted that the Sanctum Sanctorum was constructed with a cause in a small size, a special feature of the temple. Priests should bend their body and head with great respect while performing the poojas.

Also, it had been constructed in such a manner that Solar rays entered the sanctum sanctorum in the morning. He prayed the court to consider the representation made by the trust on August 30 last for making public the Blue Print of the temple construction plan before demolition or modifying the Sanctum Santorum.

The petitioner also sought an interim injunction restraining the authorities from proceeding further in demolition of Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple.

PTI