Petition filed in Madras High Court for removal of Sai Baba Idols from Hindu temples
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court demanding the removal of Sai Baba Idols from Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. The petition seeks a directive to the Tamil Nadu Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments to enforce this removal, citing that the installation of Sai Baba Idols in temples contravenes Agama Shastra, which governs temple construction and rituals.
Details of the Petition
Petitioner D Sureshbabu from Coimbatore raised the following concerns –
– The growing practice of installing white marble Idols of Sai Baba in many temples.
– The real name and religious identity of Sai Baba are unknown.
– Sai Baba had many Muslim followers, and his teachings often include Persian sayings, references to Allah, and the Qur’an.
– Sai Baba’s teachings include statements like ” Stay where Allah puts you,” showing a blend of Islamic and Hindu philosophies.
– Despite propagating both Islam and Hinduism, Sai Baba’s Idols are being installed in Hindu temples.
The petitioner has requested the court to direct the Tamil Nadu Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments to remove Sai Baba idols from temples and ensure that such Idols are not installed in the future.
The court is set to hear the case on June 25th , and the department has been asked to submit an affidavit on this matter within 2 weeks.