NAMAKKAL– In a landmark moment for social justice, members of Scheduled Castes (SC) were allowed to enter the Maha Mariamman Temple at Veesanam village in Namakkal for the first time since its construction nearly a century ago. This move comes after persistent efforts from the Dalit communities and swift intervention by the district administration.
The village is home to around 200 SC families—including Adi Dravidar, Arunthathiyar, and Devendrakula Velalar—and nearly 400 caste Hindu families, largely from the Kongu Vellalar community. Historically, the SC residents were barred from entering the temple or participating in the temple festival rituals like walking on fire.
Change was set in motion when M. Alexander (32), a Devendrakula Velalar and local carpenter, petitioned Namakkal Collector Dr. S Uma on Monday. He highlighted the exclusion faced by SC communities despite the temple being under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department for decades.
Following this, a peace committee was quickly convened. On Tuesday, Namakkal RDO Shanthi held a reconciliation meeting with both Dalit petitioners and representatives from the dominant caste groups. By 3:30 p.m. the same day, SC devotees entered the temple, marking a historic and emotional moment.
“This is the realization of a long-held dream,” said Alexander. “We’ve waited for generations to see this day.”
R. Palanisamy (60), representing the Kongu Vellalar community, emphasized their ancestral connection to the temple, noting, “Our people have spent over Rs 1 crore in recent years for the temple’s upkeep.”
Namakkal SP S. Rajesh Kannan lauded the swift resolution, remarking, “A centuries-old issue was resolved in a day thanks to firm administrative action.” Police presence ensured peace throughout the event.
Read Also: