Observing that tolerance is the hallmark of Hinduism and that the Vadakalai as well as the Tenkalai sects of Vaishnavites must have mutual respect for each other, the Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered that both of them should be allowed to recite hymns at the Devarajaswamy temple in Kancheepuram.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam ordered that the Tenkalai sect shall be permitted to sit in the first two or three rows during the recitation since they had accrued such a right through a series of litigations that had been taking place since 1844 and the Vadakalai shall be seated behind them, followed by the other devotees.
The judge directed the Executive Trustee of the temple — an official in the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department — to regulate the seating arrangements during the recitation without affecting the discipline and decorum of the rituals and puja activities.
