THIYAGA. MOHAN Vs. COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed by the petitioner challenging the impugned proceedings dated 29.03.2018 passed by the 3rd respondent viz., the Executive Officer of Arulmighu Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and to quash the same and consequently, to direct the respondents to permit the Panguni Uthiram festival to be conducted for Mahisasuramardhini Deity in Arulmighu Brihadeeswarar Temple commencing from 04.04.2018 till 13.04.2018.

(2.) The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner has submitted that the petitioner is one of the Mandagapaditharar of Arulmighu Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram. This Temple is having historical importance and high architectural value. The Archaeological Survey of India administers the Temple as a protected heritage monument. UNESCO has declared it as World Heritage Site in the year 2004 and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department is given pooja rights and it is a notified Temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. It is also stated that the Temple was constructed by King Rajendra Chola in the year 1022 in order to commemorate the victory over the East Coast of India and also Ganga. The Temple structure is similar to that of the Thanjvaur Big Temple and it is one of the most visited tourists spot in Tamil Nadu. It also attracts tourists from all over the world. Apart from the architectural value, several festivals are being conducted by the Temple every year attracting devotees, which include Masi Sivarathiri, Iypasi Pournami, Panguni Thiruvizha and Marghazhi Thiruvathirai. The Panguni Uthiram festival is being performed in the Tamil Month of Panguni every year with Urchavam on the last Friday of the month, preceded with ten days functions and rituals which include Palkavadi, Alagu Kavadi, Alagu Kuthukal, Alangara Kavadi, Pal Kudam, Santhanakappu Alangaram, Abisekham etc. For the past 88 years, the Panguni Uthiram festival is being performed by the Mandagapaditharar/Upayatharar. This year being the 89th years, Panguni Uthiram festival commences from 04.04.2018, ending on 13.04.2018.

(3.) The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner has further submitted that considering all the ten days festival, permission was sought for by the petitioner before the 3rd respondent. But even without hearing the petitioner, the 3rd respondent had passed the impugned order, without assigning any reason, as a result of which, the continuity of celebrating the Panguni Uthiram festival is going to be affected. Therefore, the impugned order, which is passed behind the back of the petitioner and which also causes discontinuation in the celebration of the Panguni Uthiram festival, which is being celebrated without any break in the last 88 years, directs the petitioner to approach the authorities of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Trichy seeking permission to celebrate the Panguni Uthiram festival.