Sun Feb 09 17:06:10 UTC 2025: ## Madurai Temple Withdraws Controversial Cash Handling Circular
**Chennai, February 9, 2025** – The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has rescinded a directive requiring priests at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple in Madurai to deposit all archani plate offerings directly into the temple hundi (donation box).
The circular, issued by the temple’s executive officer, sparked controversy due to its additional instructions for temple guards and officials to monitor the priests’ actions and threatened disciplinary measures for non-compliance.
Joint Commissioner K. Chelladurai stated the circular was unnecessary, as priests already followed this practice. An explanation has been requested from the executive officer regarding the issuance of the circular without prior consultation with senior officials.
First Piper 