Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja denied entry to sanctum sanctorum of TN's Andal Temple; sparks Dalit discrimination row

While social media users questioned whether Ilaiyaraja was denied entry because of his Dalit origins, the temple administration said no devotee is allowed beyond a point in the temple.

Chennai: Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja’s visit to the renowned Andal Temple in Sriviliputhur in southern Tamil Nadu on Sunday has kicked up a major row after temple authorities declined to allow him near the Sanctum Sanctorum, citing protocol.

Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Thirukkovil is known for its architectural grandeur with the temple’s Rajagopuram featuring in Tamil Nadu’s state emblem.  

A video of Ilaiyaraja stepping out of the Arthamandapam and the priests entering the sanctum sanctorum led to wide-spread speculation on social media that the music composer was denied entry because of his Dalit origins.

The video also triggered a debate on the entry of “select people” inside Sanctum Sanctorum in Tamil Nadu, where people from all castes are trained to be priests. 

However, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department clarified that Ilaiyaraja, who was accompanied by Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami of the temple, stopped at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam after he was told that devotees are not allowed beyond that point. 

“According to the customs and traditions of the temple, only the temple’s priests, and mutt heads are allowed beyond Artha Mandapam,” K Chelladurai, Joint Commissioner, Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Thirukkovil, said. 

Ilaiyaraja, who climbed the steps of the Artha Mandapam, came down and offered prayers from the entrance of the mandapam after he was briefed about the temple’s customs that devotees are not allowed beyond the Vasantha Mandapam. 

“He offered his prayers from the entrance of the Artha Mandapam, while Chinna Jeeyar Swami went inside and paid obeisance,” the JC added. 

A Rajya Sabha MP under the nominated category, Ilaiyaraja visited the temple ahead of the release of his composition Divya Pasuram and took part in an event. On his arrival, Ilaiyaraaja was honoured with Andal’s garlands and silk garments and was taken around the temple by priests and the mutt head. 

Sri Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamigal, one of the head priests of the temple, said Ilaiyaraaja was not disrespected and that the administration accorded full honours to him. Ilaiyaraaja also visited Andal Thaayar with devotion and satisfaction,” he said.

In a terse statement, Ilaiyaraaja said some people are spreading false rumours centered around him, while asserting that he would never compromise his self-respect.

“Something that never happened is being reported as if it happened. Fans and the public should not believe such speculation,” the music composer said.

Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Thirukkovil in Sriviliputhur in Virudhunagar district, is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.