Tamil Nadu DMK Govt revokes anti-Hindu order after protest by Hindu organisations

The priests who receive Dakshina (offering) coins in the puja plates were ordered to put the coins in the government coffers

Chennai – Tamil Nadu government had ordered the priests to deposit the coins they received in their puja plates, in the government coffers. The security guards were ordered to watch the priests. This order was revoked after protest by Hindu organisations.

1. The Hindu Religious and Charitable endowments Department had given the above order on 7th February 2025. The order said, “Since the priests receive salary from the government, every penny from the offerings must be deposited in the government coffers.

2. Regarding this order the Hindu Tamilar Katchi (Hindu Tamil Party) organisation had protested, saying, it is a ridiculous and condemnable order. Generally, devotees offer Re 1 or Rs 5 coins in the priest’s plate. It is a local and area wise tradition. Offering coins denote devotion and gratitude towards the Deity. The Charitable Trust should not keep a watch on this negligible offering. This fight will be taken to the Court of Law.

DMK government’s anti-Hindu order in Tamil Nadu withdrawn after opposition from Hindu organizations!

An order was given to deposit even the offerings from the priest’s worship tray (received as dakshina) into the government treasury! #ReclaimTemples #Free_Hindu_Temples pic.twitter.com/XhjgZ35j82

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 11, 2025

3. Later, the protest assumed large scale because of which the Charitable Trust has withdrawn the order. The department said that the order was issued without consulting the Temple Trustees.

4. Earlier in April 2024, Tamil Nadu government had arrested 4 priests for allegedly taking some money offered in the temple. They were accused of taking money offered by the devotees in the puja plate.