Ilaiyaraaja denies he was prevented from entering arthamandapam at Andal temple

Temple official clarifies that only priests and heads of mutts are allowed into the arthamandapam

Describing as rumours the media reports that he was denied entry to the arthamandapam of the Andal temple on Sunday (December 15, 2024), music composer Ilaiyaraaja on Monday (December 16, 2024) said he would never give up his self-respect.

Responding to the reports, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja posted a message on the social media platform X, stating that rumours were being spread about an incident that never occurred. He appealed to his fans not to believe such rumours.

Video clips of the music composer abruptly exiting the arthamandapam were aired by television channels, sparking a debate on the ‘discrimination’ against a devout person.

Temple official’s clarification

However, the temple’s Executive Officer, S. Sakkaraiammal, clarified that the arthamandapam, where the urchavar of the presiding deities, Andal, Rengamannar and Garudalwar, are placed, was treated as an extension of the sanctum sanctorum.

“Hence, no one other than the priests and the heads of mutts is allowed into the arthamandapam,” she said.

Ms. Sakkaraiammal, who was present at the temple at the time of the incident, said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja was walking behind Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar and Satagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar at the crowded temple.

“As he was closely following the Jeeyars, he walked into the arthamandapam with them. However, after a priest told him about the restriction, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja immediately turned back and came out,” she said.

No VIP would be allowed into the arthamandapam, she added.

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja then offered prayers at the entrance of the arthamandapam, where he was honoured in the presence of the heads of the mutts.

He had come to the temple for a cultural programme, including the presentation of the Divya Pasurams composed by him, on the eve of the commencement of the Tamil month of Margazhi.

Later, speaking at the event, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja said the Andal temple was the appropriate place for releasing his album on Pasurams.

Reminiscing his younger days in Srivilliputtur, he said offering prayers at the temple was special. “But unless Andal invited them, no one could step into the temple,” he said.

Published - December 16, 2024 07:44 pm IST