Tamil must be prioritised in temple rituals, says MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has underscored the importance of prioritising Tamil in temple rituals and called for the elimination of discrimination within the sanctum sanctorum of temples across the state. Speaking via video conferencing at the inauguration of the two-day Global Muthamizh Murugan Conference in Palani on Saturday, Stalin reiterated his government’s commitment to respecting all religions while advancing the principles of the Dravidian model of governance.

The Chief Minister highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department in improving temple facilities and ensuring that devotees receive better services. He emphasised that the government’s approach is inclusive, catering to the beliefs and faiths of all communities.

“Everyone has different beliefs, and there are no hierarchies in that. The Dravidian model of government has never hindered anyone’s beliefs. Instead, we are working to benefit everyone’s faith. The Dravidian model is based on the concept of everything for all,” Stalin said during his address.

The Global Muthamizh Murugan Conference aims to unite devotees of Lord Murugan from across India and the world, fostering a deeper understanding of the deity’s core principles. The event, held in Palani, recognised as the third of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, features scholarly presentations, research papers, photo exhibitions, 3D displays, and seminars focused on various aspects of Lord Murugan.

While the conference celebrates Tamil culture and Lord Murugan’s significance, some political observers in Tamil Nadu view the event as an attempt by the DMK government to counter perceptions of being “anti-Hindu.” This perception has gained traction following the recent controversy sparked by remarks made by DMK minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Sanatana Dharma. The conference, according to these observers, is seen as a move to project Lord Murugan as a counterbalance to the BJP’s political narrative centred around Lord Ram.

However, the focus of the event remains on Tamil culture and ensuring that Tamil is central to temple rituals, reflecting the Dravidian government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the state’s linguistic heritage.

Stalin’s call for equality within temple sanctums aligns with the Dravidian ideology of social justice and inclusivity, themes that have long been central to the DMK’s political philosophy. By advocating for the use of Tamil in religious rituals and opposing any form of discrimination within temples, Stalin is reinforcing the government’s stance on promoting Tamil identity and ensuring fairness across all aspects of public life in Tamil Nadu.