Tamil given due prominence in Meenakshi temple consecration: Minister

The HR&CE Minister rejected allegations that Tamil was not accorded adequate importance during the Meenakshi temple consecration celebrations. Addressing concerns raised by cultural and linguistic groups, the Minister said the temple authorities had made deliberate efforts to honour the Tamil language during the ceremony.

According to the Minister, the event featured prominent participation from classical singers rooted in Tamil tradition. "We invited 24 Oduvars from various parts of Tamil Nadu and they rendered the pathigams," the Minister stated, referring to the Saivite devotional hymns that form an integral part of Meenakshi temple worship.

Oduvars are trained vocalists who specialise in rendering these sacred Tamil compositions, maintaining centuries-old musical traditions associated with South Indian temples. Their inclusion in the consecration ceremony underscored the organisers' commitment to showcasing Tamil cultural heritage and religious practices.

The clarification comes amid broader discussions about the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and cultural traditions during major religious and ceremonial events in the state. The Meenakshi temple, one of South India's most significant places of worship, holds considerable cultural and linguistic importance for Tamil Nadu.