Rendition of hymns in Kanchi temple: Notice to Vadakalai

Observing that those who create ruckus in front of the lord do not have any place inside of the Sanctum Sanatorium, Justice R Mahadevan, said, “Admittedly, the Sub Collector, Kancheepuram directed both the parties to execute the bond in order to maintain peace and tranquillity among the devotees. Of course, the right of the parties herein is not getting affected for worship and reciting Prabandhams and Vedas due to the said order.”

“Reciting Prabandhams or Vedaparayanam is only to achieve the lotus feet of the Almighty. The egoistic approach of the parties thereby causing inconvenience to the devotees cannot be countenanced. When such being the position the petitioners seek time for arguing the case in detail. Accordingly, this court is inclined to deal with this matter and issue notice to the respondents. Post after two weeks,” Justice Mahadevan said. According to petitioners who are Thenkalai sects, there are two sects among Vaishnavaite Brahmins called Vadakalai and Thenkalai. The Thenkalai sect give importance to 4000 Tamil Divya Prabandhams of Alwars and the Vadakalai gives preference to Sanskrit Vedas. It was further submitted that rights in the temple are given only to the descendants of Thathachari Clan and the Supreme Court and High Court have decided that recitation of Sanskrit Vedas can be done only by the descendants of Thathacharyas family belonging to the Vadakalai Sect. But they are prohibited from reciting prabandams but can only join the Thenkalai group as worshippers.

The plea further alleged that Vadakalai sect are creating problems and obstructing regular service rendered by Thenkalais. Instead of abiding by Court orders, those part of Vadakalai dragged 10 persons of Thenkalai sect into criminal proceedings, the plea said challenging execution of bond.