Tue Feb 18 14:49:02 UTC 2025: ## Non-Brahmin Priests Barred from Temple Consecration Ceremony in Tamil Nadu

**Madurai, Tamil Nadu –** A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the exclusion of two non-Brahmin priests from a temple consecration ceremony. Advocate Vanchinathan criticized the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) and the Sivachariyars (temple priests) for barring Prabhu and Jayabal, government-appointed priests at the Vayalur Murugan Temple in Tiruchi, from participating in Wednesday’s Kudamuzhukku (consecration) ceremony.

Mr. Vanchinathan, addressing a press meet in Madurai on Tuesday, stated that the action constitutes untouchability, a violation of the Constitution. He called on HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu to respond to the incident. The two priests have reportedly written to the Chief Minister detailing the discrimination, noting they are allowed to perform pujas in certain areas of the temple but not within the sanctum sanctorum. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious practices and caste discrimination in Tamil Nadu.

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