Earlier this week, the Madras High Court rejected a petition that requested the administration of Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple in Madurai to adhere to the longstanding tradition of passing on the Baton of Rule, known as 'Sengol', during the Pattabhishekam ceremony on Chitra festival day.

The petitioner's primary argument revolved around the traditional belief that, according to ancient customs, neither a widower nor a widow should receive the Sengol (Sceptre). They contended that such an act would contradict the Agama principles outlined in the Sethala Kuripedu and Sethala Book, thus deeming it an affront to those principles.

While the High Court acknowledged the historical tradition of passing on the Sengol (Sceptre) dating back to the Chola dynasty, which symbolizes the succession of power, it ultimately considered opposition to women receiving it as a violation of constitutional principles.

Furthermore, the Court highlighted that the texts of Sethala Kuripedu and Sethala Book, submitted by the petitioner, did not contain any explicit prohibition against the transfer of the Sengol (Sceptre) to a woman or a widowed woman.

The court firmly asserted that any biases or discriminatory practices from antiquity, even if they were sanctioned in ancient times, must yield to modern principles following the adoption of the Constitution.

The court also pointed out the irony in the case, highlighting that the presiding deity in the Meenakshi Temple is Parvathy, the consort of the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who symbolizes womanhood and power.

Hence, the court declined to entertain the plea aimed at halting the arrangements already set in motion by the Temple Authorities for the transfer of the Baton of Rule, 'Sengol', during the Pattabhishekam ceremony on Chitra festival day scheduled for April 19, 2024.

Nevertheless, the court stated that the petitioner could raise their objection by submitting a suitable application under Section 63(e) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, before the Joint Commissioner of Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple in Madurai.

The court ordered that the said application should be adjudicated by the Joint Commissioner before the upcoming festival for the next calendar year, i.e., 2025, ensuring that all issues are addressed and resolved well in advance.

Case Title: S.Dhinakaran v. The Commissioner of HR and CE and Two Others