Fri Feb 21 01:48:15 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Orders Chidambaram Temple to Increase Devotee Access to Kanagasabai

**Chennai, February 21, 2025** – The Madras High Court has directed the administrators of the Sri Thillai Natarajar Temple in Chidambaram and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to devise a plan to allow more devotees access to the Kanagasabai, where Lord Shiva is enshrined. The court gave them until March 6th to submit their proposals.

The order follows a hearing where the Podhu Dikshidars, the temple’s administrators, expressed willingness to allow darshan (viewing) of the deity during non-‘kala puja’ hours (times dedicated to temple rituals). Currently, the temple is open for darshan for approximately 14 hours daily, with eight hours allocated to ‘kala puja’ and ‘paal neivaidyam’. The Dikshidars proposed allowing access during the remaining three hours.

However, concerns were raised regarding the current infrastructure’s capacity to handle the daily influx of 5,000 to 10,000 devotees. The committee pledged to consult engineers and submit a plan including a possible ramp for smoother entry and exit by the next hearing.

The HR&CE Department, citing an 1858 publication and multiple complaints, argued that access to the Kanagasabai has historically been granted and was only halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted the existence of two pathways that could facilitate controlled access. The department will also submit a detailed report on March 6th outlining feasible solutions. The court will review all proposals before making a final decision.

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