Thiruvannamalai: Dalits made history by worshiping at a temple that had no entry for eight decades. About two hundred Dalits entered the temple. The historic moment was at Thenmudiannoor temple in Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
Despite strong opposition from the dominant community, the Dalits entered the temple under the leadership of the district administration and the police. The move of the district administration was part of the Pongal celebration. This is a 200-year-old temple in Thenmudiannur, home to more than 500 Dalit families.
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There was an agreement in the village to use separate temples for prayers. Although the district administration and the police held discussions to allow Dalits to enter the temple, the opposition from the dominant community was strong. More than 750 people came out in protest demanding that the temple where Dalits entered should be sealed. More police have been deployed in the area to avoid any possibility of conflict.
English Summary: In Historic Move, Over 200 Dalits Defy ‘Ban’ To Enter Tamil Nadu Temple
