Posing as devotees, HR&CE team catches Tiruchendur temple priests and staff seeking Rs 1,000 for VIP darshan in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: Priests and temple officials at the Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple were caught allegedly seeking Rs 1,000 per person for VIP darshan from a member of an inspection team led by HR&CE minister S Ramesh, who had entered the temple posing as devotees.

The demand surfaced when the minister’s assistant, standing in the regular queue near Gopuram entrance disguised as a devotee, was allegedly offered expedited darshan in return for payment.

The inspection was carried out before dawn, with the minister arriving at the temple wearing a mask following complaints. Addressing reporters later, Ramesh said the inspection had confirmed the practice.

“We found that money was being collected from devotees and members of the public and that they were being directly taken inside for darshan,” he said.

The minister said priests and temple officials appeared to have acted together in facilitating the practice. “Whoever they are, action will be taken without any discrimination or favouritism,” he said.

Ramesh also rejected reports circulating on social media that those involved had been pardoned after submitting apology letters.

“We have only sought explanation letters from them. We asked how they permitted this and why they allowed people inside after collecting money,” he said, adding that obtaining explanations was part of the standard procedure before initiating action.

He said the inspection extended beyond the darshan-related allegations and covered annadhanam halls, temple cleanliness, surroundings, revenue streams, infrastructure and facilities available to devotees.

“We are also studying how devotees can have darshan and leave the temple more quickly and what measures can be introduced for that purpose,” he said.

The minister said some inspections were still under way and a detailed report would be prepared after examining documents and explanations from all concerned. The report would be submitted to the chief minister Vijay, after which action would be taken against those found responsible.