Thu Apr 17 06:20:43 UTC 2025: **Villupuram Temple Reopens After 22-Month Closure Due to Caste Tensions**
VILLUPURAM, Tamil Nadu – The Sri Dharmaraja Droupadi Amman temple in Melpathi village, near Villupuram, reopened on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after a 22-month closure stemming from caste tensions. The temple had been sealed in June 2023 following disputes between Dalit and caste Hindu residents regarding Dalit access to the temple.
The reopening followed a Madras High Court order directing the temple’s reopening. While over 100 Dalit residents participated in prayers on the first day, the event was marked by some tension as caste Hindus protested the Dalits’ entry and planned their own separate worship the following day. Police presence was significant to prevent any escalation of conflict.
The temple, located on government land and under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department’s control for 45 years, had been the site of ongoing discrimination against Dalits, preventing their entry. The HR&CE Department had appointed a Temple ‘Fit Person’ in April 2023, but the discrimination persisted, leading to the temple’s closure.
Dalit residents expressed relief at finally being able to worship at the temple, while officials confirmed continued monitoring of the situation to maintain peace and prevent further incidents.
First Piper 