Only Deity has the foremost honour in the temple ! : Madras High Court

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) –  In temples, while offering any respect, the first honour is to be given only to the Deity. The Madras High Court said that no person should demand special honour as if it is his right and such a claim cannot be made admissible. The court passed the order on a petition filed by Srirangam Shrimath Andavan Ashram. The ‘Panchamudra’, which has been given to the ashram heads at the Devaraja Swamy temple in Kancheepuram since 1992, was stopped in the year 2023.  The petition demanded that it be restarted.

1. During the hearing, it was submitted on behalf of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Fund Department that special honour is given only to 5 head of monasteries. These include Kanchi Kamakoti Peetha, Sri Ahobila Mutt, Nanguneri Sri Vanamalai Mutt, Mysore Sri Parakala Jeeyar Math, and Udupi Sri Vyasarai Math.

2. Taking note of this argument, the court made it clear that the first honour in the temple is to be given to the deity. The court dismissed the ashram’s plea, saying the special honours given to the head of the mutt cannot be claimed as right. The court also said that as per the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Fund Act, only the authorities concerned have the power to decide on the honour given to the head of the monasteries. The court also said that the Srirangam Shrimath Andavan Ashram administration may, if necessary, seek remedial measures by pleading with the concerned department.