REPORTER’S DIARY: Did beliefs keep leaders away from temple event

The belief that the ruling party will lose power if the party leader visits Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur during his/her tenure is rumoured to be reason why Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami skipped attending the consecration function at the temple recently. 

The famous Thanjavur Big Temple, constructed by Raja Raja Cholan in 1010, had its millennium celebration in 2010 during the tenure of DMK. There were sentiments prevailing that politicians in power will lose their positions if they visit the temple. 

Former chief minister and Dravidian icon M Karunanidhi, who was a strong rationalist, is said to have had reservations about visiting the temple and had entered the temple through its southern entrance,

avoiding the main entrance on the eastern side. Despite avoiding the main entrance, Karunanidhi

lost power in 2011 Assembly elections. 

Chief Minister EPS too has stayed away from visiting the temple leading to rumours that it could be because the State elections are due next year. However, EPS sent his ministers for the function though he remained in the city, attending weddings of party cadre and routine meetings.

                                                                                                                                    — Yazhiniyan