Hindu Tamil Party president Ram Ravikumar has sought a detailed inquiry into security and the enforcement of Agama rules at the Srirangam Ranganathar Temple.
In a statement, he said a woman wearing a burqa reportedly entered the temple complex on October 24 and went up to the Garuda Mandapam. He questioned the purpose of her visit and asked the police and temple administration to immediately investigate the incident.
Ravikumar also raised concerns about how she was allowed past the entry-point security, noting that police personnel and private security staff were on duty at the gate.
He pointed out that the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued guidelines in cases related to the entry of people of other faiths into Hindu temples, and said the occurrence at Srirangam was “shocking” in that context.
Calling for stricter measures, he said only those with Hindu faith and involvement in worship should be permitted inside temples, and urged the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to enforce legally backed restrictions similar to practices followed in Kerala temples.
