Latest news with #SriMariamman
Time of India
30-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Madurai Uthapuram temple to stay open for all, rules HC
Madurai: The Uthapuram temple in Madurai district shall remain open to the public, irrespective of caste, community or place of residence, Madras high court has ruled. The Sri Muthalamman and Sri Mariamman temple situated in Uthapuram village witnessed caste-based violence and disputes about rituals and hence remained closed for the last 10 years. In 2024, a single judge ordered the temple's opening, which was lying under lock and key since 2014 due to communal issues. The single bench had observed that the village shot to notoriety in 2010. Dispute arose between pillaimar community and pallar community members over what came to be known as an untouchability wall. Petitions were filed and eventually disposed of in terms of the agreement arrived at between the parties on various lines including to permit those belonging to the pallar community to worship the deity in the temple and that the administration of the temple would be vested with pillaimar people. In April 2014, scheduled caste people wanted to introduce new forms of worship, and once again disputes arose, after which FIR was registered. Observing that once it is understood that the idol housed in a temple is to be treated as a living person, closure of the temple without customary poojas would amount to its imprisonment, the single bench ordered the opening of the temple on July 30, 2024. Challenging the order, the authorities including Madurai collector filed the present appeal. The state submitted that Uthapuram village had experienced a series of communal riots and about 94 criminal cases were registered. Reopening the temple and permitting worship of the deity might lead to a law and order issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sao Paulo: New Container Houses (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo Rejecting the plea, a division bench of Justice G Jayachandran and Justice R Poornima observed that time was granted for both parties to come to an agreement. The parties had filed their affidavits in respect of their broad agreement and mutual understanding regarding the worship of the deity as well as the peepal tree (thala virutcham). The affidavit gives the impression that the villagers are willing to worship at the temple peacefully, provided there are no restrictions imposed by either side. Both parties have agreed not to disturb the tree in any manner, except to go around it without lighting any lamps, garlanding it, or causing any harm to the tree in the temple. Hence the judges directed the authorities not to prevent the people of pillaimar community from administering the temple in any manner. The peepal tree inside the temple shall not be disturbed in any manner for any reason. No person shall touch the tree, whether in connection with worship or any other act, either religious or non-religious. The HR & CE joint commissioner shall initiate suo motu proceedings under Section 63(e) of HR&CE Act, which empowers him to decide on the customs or established usage of the religious institution, specifically concerning the form of worship of the peepal tree.
The Age
29-04-2025
- The Age
Port guide: George Town (Penang), Malaysia
Diverse ethnic groups have created an eclectic variety of architecture, religions, cultural observances and cuisines in the quirky capital of island-state Penang Who goes there Penang sits just off the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia and is visited by ships either making South-East Asian cruises, or longer cruises that are trekking towards Australia or India. Among lines that visit are Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea. Sail on in The Malacca Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping routes, so you'll be dodging container ships as you approach Penang Island and squeeze between it and the mainland. You'll first spot a lighthouse, then suburban high-rises and beaches. The cruise terminal sports orange roofs over which, if your ship's decks are high enough, you'll see the ruins of old British Fort Cornwallis. Berth rites At busy times, ships might be anchored and guests tendered ashore. Otherwise, ships of any size will dock at Swettenham Pier from which – if you don't mind the humidity – you can walk into town. Taxis and trishaws need firm negotiations; a free CAT bus takes you around major sights. The small terminal is an historical building, greatly overhauled in 2010, with few facilities beyond currency exchange and desultory shops. No need to linger because you'll find everything you need (and a few things you don't) in this buzzing trading town. Going ashore The entire old town, founded by the British in 1786, is World Heritage listed. Handsome colonial-era buildings include its landmark white clock tower, State Legislature and Church of St George. Penang Museum has idiosyncratic historical displays including a Rolls-Royce riddled with bullet holes in which a British governor-general was assassinated. Among notable temples are Sri Mariamman (Hindu), Goddess of Mercy (Chinese) and Kapitan Keling and Jamek mosques. But never mind the sights: George Town is a wander-worthy place in which to take in rickety alleys, fabulous food stalls, fashion boutiques and traditional shops, and an eccentric variety of wonderful street art.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Port guide: George Town (Penang), Malaysia
Diverse ethnic groups have created an eclectic variety of architecture, religions, cultural observances and cuisines in the quirky capital of island-state Penang Who goes there Penang sits just off the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia and is visited by ships either making South-East Asian cruises, or longer cruises that are trekking towards Australia or India. Among lines that visit are Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea. Sail on in The Malacca Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping routes, so you'll be dodging container ships as you approach Penang Island and squeeze between it and the mainland. You'll first spot a lighthouse, then suburban high-rises and beaches. The cruise terminal sports orange roofs over which, if your ship's decks are high enough, you'll see the ruins of old British Fort Cornwallis. Berth rites At busy times, ships might be anchored and guests tendered ashore. Otherwise, ships of any size will dock at Swettenham Pier from which – if you don't mind the humidity – you can walk into town. Taxis and trishaws need firm negotiations; a free CAT bus takes you around major sights. The small terminal is an historical building, greatly overhauled in 2010, with few facilities beyond currency exchange and desultory shops. No need to linger because you'll find everything you need (and a few things you don't) in this buzzing trading town. Going ashore The entire old town, founded by the British in 1786, is World Heritage listed. Handsome colonial-era buildings include its landmark white clock tower, State Legislature and Church of St George. Penang Museum has idiosyncratic historical displays including a Rolls-Royce riddled with bullet holes in which a British governor-general was assassinated. Among notable temples are Sri Mariamman (Hindu), Goddess of Mercy (Chinese) and Kapitan Keling and Jamek mosques. But never mind the sights: George Town is a wander-worthy place in which to take in rickety alleys, fabulous food stalls, fashion boutiques and traditional shops, and an eccentric variety of wonderful street art.
