Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu — Tensions flared at the historic Annamalai Temple in Thiruvannamalai after a man was caught eating non-vegetarian food within the temple premises, igniting strong reactions from devotees, as per a report by the India Today.
The incident took place in the temple’s Fourth Praharam (outer courtyard) area, where several devotees noticed the man consuming food and promptly alerted the temple authorities. Upon inquiry, the man claimed he had ordered plain kuska biryani and was unaware that a piece of chicken had been accidentally included in the package.
Temple officials quickly intervened, asked him to pack up the food, and informed the District Police. The man was subsequently taken into custody for questioning. An investigation into the matter is currently underway to ascertain whether it was a genuine mistake or a deliberate act.
This incident has sparked outrage among the local Hindu community, who consider the temple a sacred space where the consumption or even presence of non-vegetarian food is strictly forbidden.
Notably, a similar controversy erupted earlier this year when BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai criticized Indian Union Muslim League MP Navas Kani for allegedly eating non-vegetarian food near the revered Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy temple in Madurai. Annamalai had called it a “deeply unfortunate” act and accused the MP of creating a law and order issue through such actions.
Police in Thiruvannamalai are expected to question the man further to determine if legal action is warranted. Meanwhile, temple authorities have urged visitors to adhere strictly to temple norms to preserve the sanctity of the space.
