Srivilliputhur: In a shocking incident that has left devotees and the larger Hindu community outraged, four pujaris appointed under the Tamil Nadu government’s “All Castes Archakas” scheme have been suspended for alleged drunken behavior, obscene dancing, and sexual misconduct at the historic Periya Mariamman Temple in Srivilliputhur — the birthplace of the revered Vaishnavite saint Andal.
According to sources from Hindu Munnani and multiple eyewitnesses, the four pujaris — identified as Sundar, Assistant Priest Gomathynayagam, Karthik, and one more individual — were found intoxicated inside the temple premises during pre-consecration rituals. Videos that surfaced on social media show the priests dancing in an obscene manner, allegedly shouting vulgar slogans, and even throwing sacred ash toward a woman devotee in an offensive manner. One priest was reportedly seen exposing himself, sparking widespread disgust among devotees gathered for the rituals.
Yuvaraj, a senior functionary of Hindu Munnani, confirmed that a formal police complaint has been lodged against the pujaris. “They were in a fully drunken state, misbehaving with women devotees, using abusive language, and mocking sacred rituals. This is not mere misconduct — it is an outright insult to temple sanctity and Sanatana Dharma,” he said. Temple trustee Chakkaraiammal was immediately informed about the incident.
Temple Executive Officer Jothilakshmi stated that all four pujaris have been temporarily relieved of their duties. “They have been strictly instructed not to enter temple premises until further orders. After the upcoming Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) scheduled on July 2, stricter disciplinary action will be taken,” she confirmed in an official statement.
This incident has once again put the DMK government’s “Dravidian Model” temple reforms under intense scrutiny. The “All Castes Archakas” scheme, initially launched in 2006 and revived in 2021 under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, aimed to break caste-based barriers and promote inclusivity by allowing individuals from all backgrounds to become priests. Candidates are selected and given a crash course of approximately ten months in temple rituals and Agamic procedures.
While the scheme was praised in certain circles as a progressive step toward social justice, it has faced severe criticism from traditionalists and religious scholars. Critics argue that temple rituals require over a decade of rigorous Gurukulam-based training, encompassing mastery over Agamas, Vedas, Sanskrit chants, and strict lifestyle discipline. They believe that replacing this deep training with a short crash course compromises the spiritual integrity of temples and undermines centuries-old religious traditions.
“This is the inevitable outcome when deeply spiritual roles are reduced to mere political appointments. By replacing ten years of Gurukulam training with a ten-month crash course, the DMK has hurt the very soul of Sanatana Dharma,” said one senior Agama scholar, requesting anonymity.
Adding further controversy, allegations have emerged linking popular TV anchor Nelson Xavier to the training program. Some critics allege that Xavier took classes at the priest training center, raising suspicions of ideological indoctrination within the curriculum meant for archakas.
Meanwhile, protests are gaining momentum in other major temples across Tamil Nadu, including in Rameswaram and Palani. Devotees have voiced strong objections against new temple entry fees and ritual charges, which they claim are designed to discourage temple visits and weaken traditional practices.
As the incident unfolds, demands for stricter vetting, re-evaluation of the “All Castes Archakas” scheme, and comprehensive reforms to protect temple sanctity are growing louder. Many religious organizations are calling for a thorough investigation and the immediate dismissal of those responsible, along with stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents from tarnishing the sanctity of Tamil Nadu’s revered temples in the future.
