Adhik Bhadrapad Shukla 12, Kaliyug Varsha 5114
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Mamallapuram (Tamilnadu) :
The opposition to the Archaeological Survey of India’s proposal to take over the Pallava-era Sri Sthalasayana Perumal temple in Mamallapuram, a protected monument, took a different turn on Monday with Kancheepuram MP P Vishwanathan threatening an indefinite fast. The announcement came during the first public hearing organised by the ASI on the issue. Since the ASI’s proposal was made public on May 20, a series of protests have been organised and elected representatives have raised the issue in the state assembly and Parliament. "I will lead an indefinite fast if the ASI goes ahead with it. The Hindu religious and charitable endowments department should be allowed to maintain the temple," he said. A five-member high-level committee headed by ASI regional director (south zone) D Dayalan conducted the hearing. Around 40 petitions were received.
After the Madras high court asked the ASI to organise a hearing to gauge the public mood, a joint meeting of the ASI, directorate-general of archaeology, National Monuments Authority and the state archaeology department on August 2 decided to organise the hearing. After the ASI submits a report, comprising views of all stakeholders, to the high court, a final decision will be taken by the Union culture ministry. "Conservation of monuments, including temples, is as important as the livelihood of thousands of local people. Ideally, the committee should have representatives from the public but that did not happen. In any case, we are against the proposal," said Thandarai K Manoharan, MLA.
ASI officials say the possibility of allowing worship at the temple could be considered as was done by the ASI in the Big Temple in Thanjavur.
Source : TOI
