Madras HC Upholds Thengalai Sect’s Exclusive Temple Ritual Rights

The Madras high court has reaffirmed that the Thengalai sub-sect of the Sri Vaishnava tradition alone holds the authority to lead key recitations and rituals at the historic Sri Devarajaswamy Temple in Kancheepuram. The decision settles a prolonged dispute between the Thengalai and Vadagalai groups regarding ritual leadership inside the temple.

Long-Standing Dispute Over Ritual Leadership

The case centred on who may recite Sri Sailesa Dayapatram, the concluding Vazhi Thirunamam, and the Nalayira Divya Prabandham during temple worship. Vadagalai devotees sought equal rights to perform these recitations, challenging established custom through multiple petitions. The bench heard writ petitions, writ appeals and a contempt plea arising from this conflict.

Court Reaffirms Adhyapaka Mirasi Rights

The division bench of Justice R Suresh Kumar and Justice S Sounthar relied on historic rulings from 1882, 1915, 1939 and 1969, all of which recognised that the Adhyapaka Mirasi rights belong exclusively to the Thengalai sect residing in Kancheepuram. The court held that these findings remain binding. Vadagalai members may join the recitations as worshippers but cannot initiate or lead any independent ritual invocation.

Constitutional Arguments Rejected

The bench dismissed claims that pre-constitutional judgments infringe fundamental rights. It clarified that personal religious freedoms do not extend to altering established denominational customs of a specific temple. As long as the right to worship remains unaffected, courts cannot revise traditional practices that have already been judicially validated.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Sri Devarajaswamy Temple is a major Sri Vaishnava shrine in Kancheepuram.
• Adhyapaka Mirasi rights determine who leads traditional recitations and chants.
• Historic judgments from 1882 to 1969 upheld Thengalai exclusivity.
• The court set aside a previous order allowing parallel recitations by both sects.

Operational Directions Issued

The judges set aside the interim order permitting both sects to perform parallel rituals and dismissed the Vadagalai petitions seeking performance rights. They allowed petitions requesting enforcement of earlier rulings and directed authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals strictly according to long-established temple customs.