THE HINDU ARTICLE ON GOVINDARAJA PERUMAL KOIL BRAHMOTSAVAM

New controversy over Chidambaram temple rituals Special Correspondent

HR&CE Joint Commissioner to conduct hearing on May 21

CUDDALORE: Soon after the row over the recitation of Tamil verses, which was settled recently, another controversy is raging over the celebration of the Brahmotsav festivities in the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.

This has widened the divide between the Shivites and the Vaishnavites.

Brahmotsav festivities

The Vishnavites are now keen on resuming the Brahmotsav festivities that were stopped over a century ago, but their endeavour has reportedly met with resistance from Dikshithars. Following a representation, Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment T.Pichandi has directed Joint Commissioner Pon.Selvaraj, HR & CE, Mayiladuthurai, under whose jurisdiction the Chidmabaram temple falls, to conduct a hearing on May 21 with the representatives of both faiths to find an amicable solution.

The Chidambaram temple is unique because it houses both Lord Nataraja and Sri Govindaraja Perumal shrines on the same premises. It is hailed as one of the 108 Divya Desams (Perumal temples) in the country and eulogized in the paasurams of Kulasekara Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar.

The presiding deity, Sri Govindaraja Perumal, is depicted in a sleeping posture (kidantha thirukkolam), very near the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.

The Vaishnavites blame it on the administrative structure that is constricting them from going ahead with religious rituals as ordained by tradition and Alwars.

The striking feature is that two set-ups are managing these temples: the Pothu Dikshithars are holding sway over the affairs of the Nataraja temple, and the hereditary trustee system is taking care of Sri Govindaraja temple.

While Dikshithars act independent of HR & CE Department, the latter is bound to submit accounts for auditing and seek grants through the department. Now, hereditary trustee A.V.Rangachari is looking after Sri Govindaraja temple.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/20/stories/2008052059820900.htm