The Madras High Court recently expressed concern over the increasing trend of temple festivals becoming a platform for showcasing strength rather than fostering devotion. The court emphasized that the purpose of temples should be to provide a place of worship and peace for devotees. Justice Anand Venkatesh remarked that the festivals are losing their essence and instead perpetuating violence as different groups clash for control over them.
The observations were made during the hearing of a plea filed by K. Thangarasu, who claimed to be the Hereditary Trustee of Arulmighu Sri Ruthra Maha Kaliyamman Alayam. The petitioner sought police protection for conducting a festival at the temple during the Aadi month, scheduled from July 23rd to August 1st. However, the State informed the court about an ongoing dispute between two groups regarding the festival. This led to concerns about potential law and order problems.
Justice Venkatesh asserted that the time and energy of the police and revenue department should not be wasted in resolving disputes between groups that lack devotion to God and are more interested in demonstrating their strength. The court urged for a shift in focus from ego-driven conflicts to peaceful worship and devotion.
"If temples are going to perpetuate violence, the existence of temples will have no meaning, and in all such cases, it would be better to close down those temples so that the violence can be averted," the court remarked.
The judgment emphasized that temple festivals should serve as occasions for spiritual upliftment and unity rather than division and confrontation. The court also directed the police to intervene if any law and order issues arise during the festival.
The decision of the Madras High Court draws attention to the need to preserve the true essence of temple festivals, ensuring they remain sacred spaces for devotees to seek blessings and inner peace, devoid of any violence or ego-driven conflicts.
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