Freeing The Temples From Govt Control: Is Chidambaram Model The Answer?

An Ancient & Unique Temple Management Model

Dear Reader,

After the Tirupati Laddu row, the debate over temple management is yet again at the fore. There is a rising call for freeing the temples from the clutches of government.

But some are sceptical.

• How would temples be run without any government oversight given the fears of caste discrimination, corruption, and a lack of accountability? Can they sustain and self-regulate effectively?

The ancient Nataraja temple in Tamil Nadu, run by the Dikshitars, offers an intriguing centuries-old model.

As part of our special print issue — An Agenda For Temple Freedom And Future — covering all views on the debate over temple control in India, Swarajya's Rajesh S visited this temple in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram.

After his conversation with temple secretary Venkateswara Dikshitar, activist T R Ramesh, and a few others, he's penned a detailed piece on:

• How this large and ancient free temple functions?

• Can this template can be replicated for the management of free temples across India?

A glimpse of what's inside that makes this piece a must read:

• A time-tested system called Koil Sattam created in 1849, is still practiced today.

• A balanced rotational system of governance instead of elections which avoids favoritism.

• A self-sustaining funding system even without hundis.

• Community security. You have to read the piece to know this exceptional model of accountability and security.

• Inclusivity in entry and quality of prasadam are again integral parts of the Chidambaram temple management.

The Big Question: Can this model work for other temples? The answer may lie in its unique and well-organized, community-led management. While the Dikshitars’ dedication has made this system work for centuries, replicating it elsewhere could also be complex.

Read Rajesh's full piece here.

Get your hands on our special issue

For the next few days, every evening we'll be sending you an article from our special print issue on temple freedom. What you just read was the first of those. We're sure you'll find this one and the ones following enriching.

But the best way to read and experience them are through our print magazines. They're printed as a limited, special issue which can be booked here.

Or, if you can also go digital at a special 40% discounted price tonight. This will give you the PDF and digital access to this issue, and all magazine + online content for the next 12 months.

Until tomorrow,

Anmol N Jain