Long Drawn Hindu Resistance Helps Thousands of Pilgrims

Hindu Munnani workers and supporters in the pilgrim town of Thirukalukundram, Kanchipuram district, celebrated a recent victory for Hindu pilgrims. Now they can view Nandi unhindered. A little flashback here: The Nandi in question is the first one among the 8 around the ancient Veda Gireeswar (Shiva) temple at the foothills of the holy mountain venerated as an embodiment of Vedas by the devout for millennia. Performing Giri Pradakshina of the hill is considered as worship of Vedas. Thousands throng the place for Giri Pradakshina. But the illegal structures put up by a ward councilor with political clout completely encircled the first Nandi and pilgrims were unable to have a mandatory Darshan of Nandi prior to worshipping Shiva.

For 25 long years this intrusion continued, till Hindu Munnani workers led by district secretary Shri Mani, protested to the obstruction. A struggle for 7 years ensued. A recent petition to the state government by the Hindu Munnani had the desired result. The illegal structures were demolished and the Nandi came into view once again.

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