Dalits denied sacred ash at Tamil Nadu temple, demand justice, legal action
Pudukottai: A group of Dalit residents from Vadavalam panchayat in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district have alleged caste-based discrimination after they were denied sacred ash (vibuthi) during a temple ritual at the Kaliyuga Meyya Ayyanar Temple on July 6. The temple is under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR\&CE) department.
According to a police complaint filed at Sambattividuthi station, the temple priest distributed vibuthi to upper-caste devotees after the deeparadhanai ritual but refused to give it to Dalit participants. When questioned, the priest allegedly said, “We cannot give vibuthi to people like you.”
“This discrimination has existed for generations,” said M. Paniswamy, a Dalit resident. “We are not allowed inside the temple, cannot sit under the same shelter, or participate in key rituals.”
On Monday, the affected residents, supported by members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), submitted a petition to District Collector M. Aruna, demanding temple entry rights, participation in rituals, and legal action against the priests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They also urged the inclusion of a Scheduled Caste member in the temple trustee board.
Dalit residents said they are routinely barred from carrying milk pots, performing mandagapadi offerings, or even setting up water stalls during festivals. They also pointed to an invisible “social boundary” near the temple they are forbidden to cross.
Thirumaravan, VCK’s Thanjavur-Pudukottai zonal secretary, called on district officials to ensure Dalit entry into the temple during the upcoming therottam (temple car festival) on July 8. “This is not just about ritual; it’s about dignity,” he said.
In response to the complaint, a peace meeting was held by the Alangudi DSP and Pudukottai revenue officials. A senior officer assured that Dalits would be allowed to participate in the festival and that any interference would be dealt with strictly.
However, no final decision has been made regarding legal action against the priests named in the complaint, Ganesh and Sambandham Gurukkal.
M. Anbuselvam, a representative of the dominant caste community present at the peace meeting, denied the allegations and claimed the issue was being exaggerated for political motives.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
