Temple order justice Anita Sumanth and justice C Kumarappan

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Plea to open Panchalingam chamber in Tiruchendur temple

Madurai: Madras high court on Wednesday sought a response from the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR and CE) department on a plea seeking a direction to the authorities to open the chamber inside the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district, where Panchalingam (five lingams) is kept, to facilitate the devotees to offer prayers.

A division bench of justice Anita Sumanth and justice C Kumarappan was hearing a public interest litigation filed by M Pattam.
The petitioner stated that all the devotees visiting the Tiruchendur temple worship the Panchalingam and offer their prayers. However, the chamber in which the Panchalingam is kept inside the temple was locked by the authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Even after the pandemic, the chamber remains closed.

He stated that many devotees feel that their pilgrimage to Tiruchendur is incomplete because they are prevented from worshipping the Panchalingam. He stated that he submitted a representation to the authorities seeking to open the chamber where Panchalingam is kept. However, his representation was not considered.
Hence, the petitioner moved court.