Collector Should Not Intervene In Temple Traditions: Madurai Bench Of Madras HC Stays Order Regarding Spraying Water On Lord Kallazhagar

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today stayed an order of the Madurai District Collector M S Sangeetha regarding the spraying of scented water on the murti of Lord Kallazhagar when it enters the Vaigai river as part of the Chithirai festival, reported News Tamil 24*7. 

The order had stated that devotees who wished to spray water on the deity would have to register beforehand, water should not be sprayed on ladies and that high pressure pumps should not be used. Only traditional pumps made of animal skin were to be used.

The Court stayed the order after hearing a plea by a Madurai resident, which stated that the spraying of water by the devotees was a traditional practice to cool the deity in the summer heat and the water falling on them is considered sacred. It questioned the Collector’s decision to issue such an order intervening in temple traditions.

The government too stated that the order must be set aside, according to the report.

Also Read: The History Of Madurai’s Chithirai Festival — From The Times Of Thirumalai Nayak To Now