A controversy erupted after music maestro Ilaiyaraaja was denied entry to the arthamandapam (inner hall) at the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Temple authorities and Jeeyars (temple pontiffs) reportedly raised objections, questioning Ilaiyaraaja’s access to the traditionally restricted area, sparking renewed debates about caste-based discrimination and access to temple spaces.
Located in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple holds immense spiritual and cultural significance as the birthplace of two revered Tamil Vaishnavite saints – Periyazhwar and his foster daughter Andal.
Constructed between the 6th and 9th centuries in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple remains an important centre of pilgrimage, attracting thousands of devotees from across the globe each year.
The incident
The controversy began when Ilaiyaraaja, who has in the past strived hard to distance himself from his Dalit identity, attempted to enter the arthamandapam, a restricted area near the sanctum sanctorum. Temple regulations limit access to the sanctum and surrounding areas to certain castes and priests.
Temple authorities clarified that Ilaiyaraaja was allowed to approach only the steps leading to the sanctum but not beyond that point. Respecting the temple’s restrictions, Ilaiyaraaja offered his prayers near the steps and exited the premises without further disruption.
However, the Jeeyars reportedly raised slogans, questioning how Ilaiyaraaja had even been allowed to approach the restricted area, sparking a heated debate over temple practices.
In a post on his official X handle on Monday afternoon, Ilaiyaraaja denied reports regarding the incident.
“Some people are spreading false rumors centered around me. I am not one to compromise my self-respect at any time or place, and I will not compromise. They are spreading news that did not happen as if it happened. Fans and the public should not believe these rumors,” the post read.
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However, a statement issued by the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple administration contradicted Ilaiyaraaja’s claim. The statement confirmed the incident and justified it on the grounds of protocol.
“As per temple traditions, only the temple’s priests, staff, and monastery heads are permitted entry beyond the arthamandapam.
“During their visit on 15 December 2024, while Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Sriman Narayana Chinna Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamigal and Thiru Ilaiyaraaja climbed the steps leading to the arthamandapam, Jeeyar Swamigal, along with the temple staff, suggested that Thiru Ilaiyaraaja could have darshan from the outer area before the arthamandapam. Following this, Thiru Ilaiyaraaja agreed and performed darshan from the designated area,” the statement read.
Voices of concern
The incident has drawn criticism from activists and observers, with many highlighting the deeper issues of caste discrimination and unequal access in temple spaces.
Sumithra Devi, a social worker and a program manager at an NGO that actively advocates for Dalit rights told The South First, “It is unjust that even a celebrated personality like Ilaiyaraaja faces restrictions when attempting to visit the sanctum. If persons like him can be denied entry, what will happen to ordinary people who aren’t as famous or influential? This isn’t just about access—it is about the discrimination in how people from various castes are treated in such spaces.”
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Devi’s remarks point to the broader societal inequities that manifest in religious spaces, reflecting systemic caste biases that remain unaddressed. She further added, “For example, I’ve observed how vibuthi (sacred ash) is thrown into the hands of some devotees while it is respectfully placed in the hands of others. This inequality is glaring, and incidents like this reinforce the rigid social hierarchy that persists in temple practices.”
Kathir, a Madurai-based Dalit activist, emphasised the potential implications of Ilaiyaraaja’s silence.
Speaking to The South First, he said, “Ilaiyaraaja’s silence on this incident is concerning. It could signify that he has accepted the discrimination, which further normalises caste-based exclusions in temple practices. His silence is dangerous because it perpetuates the status quo and signals that even prominent figures are unwilling to challenge these norms publicly.”
Political apathy
Kathir further pointed out the double standards in how sensitive issues are handled by the Tamil Nadu government.
He said, “If the state government can arrest someone like Rangarajan Narasimhan in Srirangam for voicing dissent against Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on Sanatana Dharma, why is it silent on caste-based discrimination in temple spaces? Why isn’t action being taken against those who openly perpetuate these regressive practices? This silence is not just disappointing—it’s a tacit endorsement of the inequalities.”
Ilaiyaraaja was nominated to the upper house of the parliament in 2022 by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
Shalin Maria Lawrence, a Dalit activist, strongly criticised the DMK government for its lack of meaningful action on caste inequality in Tamil Nadu, linking the Srivilliputhur incident to larger systemic issues.
“It is up to the DMK government to address these issues. If they are talking about Vaikom and celebrating historical anti-caste movements, they must first deal with the caste inequalities that persist in Tamil Nadu today. For the last 70 years, the DMK has not worked towards the true emancipation of Dalits or ending caste discrimination in temple spaces. It’s not the BJP or any other political party in question here—the state government is accountable, regardless of the political affiliation of Ilaiyaraaja or the party he was nominated from,” she told The South First.
Ilaiyaraaja’s continued visits to temple, despite frequent discrimination, is a subtle form of passive protest, Lawrence added. “Whether intentional or not, it challenges the discriminatory practices in such spaces. In a way, this is a positive sign—it draws attention to the issue and forces us to confront these age-old inequalities that continue to thrive in our society,” she said.
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Shalin further highlighted the disconnect between the Tamil Nadu’s progressive rhetoric and the reality of caste-based exclusions, emphasising the need for the government to take responsibility and enact meaningful change.
Meanwhile, Raveendran Duraiswamy, a political analyst, says the incident is a reflection of entrenched social practices rather than a political issue.
Speaking to The South First, he said, “This isn’t about politics if we analyse it closely. It’s not about Ilaiyaraaja as an individual, nor does it have anything to do with his political affiliations. What we are witnessing here is the continuation of an unfortunate practice that has been ingrained in Tamil Nadu for generations. Temple access and caste bias are issues that have plagued our state for years, and this incident is merely a symptom of a much deeper problem.
For outsiders, it may appear as if this is a personal slight against Ilaiyaraaja, but for Tamil Nadu, it’s a reflection of the caste system that still dictates who gets to do what in sacred spaces. Instead of being a political debate, this should be seen as an opportunity to address these systemic issues at their root. Until we confront caste bias at all levels, such incidents will keep occurring.”
This article was originally published on South First.