The Sri Subrama­niar Swamy Tem­ple in Batu Caves will re­main open during the lunar eclipse taking place on Jan 31 night, said Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhe­vas­tha­nam chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah.

Saying the temple’s ma­­nagement would not “draw the curtains on the Lord deities”, Nadarajah said the committee had consulted the leader of the Thrmapura Athinam Temple in Tamil Nadu and decided to remain open.

This is contrary to the call by the Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) on Friday for all Hindu temples to close from 7pm to 11.30pm on the day of the eclipse.

“We have consulted and received confirmation from the temple’s leader Masilamani Thesiga Swami­gal, that the temple can remain open,” said Nadarajah.

The temple committee chairman said the management also consulted two other religious scholars and priests, who advised that the temple can remain open.

“There is no ‘Vetham’ or ‘Agam­mam’ (Hindu holy scriptures), which quotes that the temple must remain closed during the lunar eclipse, it’s only a traditional religious belief in Hinduism,” said Nadarajah.

He said there was no compulsion for devotees to pray or fulfil their vows during the eclipse, and that it was unfortunate that the lunar eclipse fell during the Thaipusam pe­­riod.

In Butterworth, the MHS announced the formation of a task force comprising 500 vo­­lunteers to monitor Thaipusam celebrations in Penang which will feature two chariot processions.

Volunteers will mingle with devotees to ensure that celebrations take place without incident, MHS national youth leader A. Thar­man said at a press conference at the MHS Penang state council office in Bandar Prai Jaya yesterday.

Tharman said the public and devotees can submit feedback via WhatsApp to 017-474 4189.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by The Star Online

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