Relocation Of Ancient Idols To “Icon Centres” Now Under The Scanner In A PIL In Madras High Court

Ancient idols from various parts of Tamil Nadu are being relocated from their original home temples to what are called “icon centres” – select temples in Tiruvarur, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli, Salem, Madurai, and Vellore districts – as a way to prevent theft or smuggling of the idols out of the country. A collective of activists, People for Dharma Trust, has taken objection to this relocation and has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in this regard in the Madras High Court, reported The Hindu.

A response on the PIL has been sought from the state government and the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

The signatory to the affidavit, G Aravindalochanan, has said that the bone of contention was the irreligious nature of these icon centres. According to the trust’s independent enquiries, the relocation of idols was in progress in utter violation of agama sastras or religious principles, said the Hindu’s report.

“All icons placed in icon centres are set to gradually lose their powers,” said the trust, on account of agamic violations such as keeping icons of different lords in an icon centre irrespective of the source temple and the handling of icons by regular staff rather than the “Archakas” attached to the temple.

An order seeking a return of the idols from the icon centres back to the original temples has been sought by the petitioner’s counsel.