Tamil Nadu Minister Directs Major Murugan Temples to Prioritize Tamil During Kandasashthi

Tamil language and literature will receive special focus during the upcoming Kandasashthi festival across major Murugan temples in the state. State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S. Ramesh announced these new directions on Tuesday in Chennai.

Festival Guidelines

Temples managed by the department must instruct trained singers known as Odhuvars to recite the Thirupugazh, Thirumurai, and Kandasashthi kavacham. Priests are required to use Tamil for all ritual prayers and proceedings throughout the festival. Public talks and musical concerts must also be conducted exclusively in Tamil.

Facilities For Devotees

Official orders direct temple executive officers to set up special entry lines for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. Volunteers will be deployed at temple grounds to help these specific groups during worship. Authorities must also coordinate with police and fire service teams to provide safe drinking water, proper restrooms, and emergency medical aid during both Kandasashthi and Sura Samharam events.

Context

State religious endowments departments in India frequently issue administrative rules to manage large temple crowds and streamline festival operations. Language policy measures in regional shrines often aim to promote classical literature and make traditional worship more accessible to local speakers.