The administration of the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur was criticised by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday, after the temple granted permission to Art of Living to hold a meditation event on its grounds. “Can anyone get permission to conduct an event if they are doing bhajans?” the court asked.

 

Earlier this week, the court, comprising of Justices Sasidharan and Adhikesavalu, had summoned temple authorities and the officer of the Archaeological Society of India (ASI), through whom AoL had to go to organise its event. The court stated that the temple administration had to bear the responsibility. “The temple is a long-standing site with vast historical and archaeological significance, it is your duty to protect it.”

 

Old historical and archaeological sites must be preserved and protected, the court noted, before adding that the case would be adjourned until more details were received and studied. The court said that it would now pass orders in the case on December 20.