22 months later, Droupadi Amman Temple in Virupuram reopened for public worship

Dalit residents of Melpathi Village near Villupuram enter Sri Dharmaraja Droupadi Amman Temple after reopened for public worship on Thursday | Photo source: Special Arrangements

The temple reopened on Thursday (17 April 2025) and was reopened in close police safety after nearly 22 months in Sri Dharmaraja Droupadi Amman Temple in the village of Meltoi near Velupram.

Velupuram tax department officials sealed the temple on June 7, 2023, and the government noted that the ongoing situation between the two caste groups could lead to serious disruption.

Located on the government’s Poromboke land, the temple has been controlled by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Donations (HR&CE) department for the past 45 years. The Human Resources Department appointed a temple called “The Right People” (Thakkar) in Thakkar) on April 12, 2023 to take over the government.

However, part of the temple government and part of the country residents continued to discriminate against Adi Dravidars and prevented them from entering the temple. Since then, the temple was sealed on June 7, 2023.

The temple reopened on Thursday after 22 months following instructions from the Madras High Court to allow worship in the temple. The court previously allowed the pastor to conduct daily puja alone, nominated by the human resources department.

On the instructions of the High Court, a team of police and tax officials usually opens the temples around 6:15 a.m. and opens the temples every day from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Caste Hindus opposes the entry of Dalit residents

Although more than 100 Dalits in Melpathi provided worship in the temple, which remained open outside of 7 a.m. on the first day, caste Hindus decided to provide worship by rituals to the host on Friday (April 18). They claimed that the tax authorities have unilaterally decided to reopen the temple on Thursday.

Caste Hindus also opposed the Dalits entering the temple and slogans, triggering tension. However, the police controlled the situation.

Dalit resident Ezhumalai, who welcomed the High Court’s instructions to reopen the temple, said he was pleased to offer worship to the host in 22 months. He said most Dalit residents prayed at the temple on Thursday.

One official said they have been monitoring the situation in Melpati and have deployed a large number of police officers to prevent any adverse events.