Actress Namitha's Ordeal at Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple: A Demand for Religious Proof Sparks Controversy

Actress Namitha, a BJP state executive member, faced an ordeal at Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple when officials demanded proof of her Hindu faith. She expressed disappointment over their treatment. The temple denied wrongdoing, stating they simply asked for clarification as part of tradition before allowing her entry.

Actress Namitha on Monday complained that she was asked to furnish proof of being a Hindu during her visit to the renowned Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple here, expressing disappointment over the alleged rude behaviour of temple officials.

Namitha, a BJP state executive member, claimed that a temple official prevented her from having darshan and demanded proof of her Hindu faith. She stated, "They asked for a certificate to prove that I am a Hindu and also my caste certificate. I never underwent such an ordeal in any temple that I visited in the country."

Namitha noted that it was widely known she was born a Hindu, had her marriage solemnised in Tirupati, and named her son after Lord Krishna. The actress felt the officials acted rudely and arrogantly. A senior temple official, however, denied the allegations, asserting that they only stopped Namitha and her husband to confirm their faith as part of temple tradition.

Following the clarification and application of kumkum on her forehead, Namitha was allowed inside the temple. The actress claimed she was made to wait for 20 minutes and lamented over the manner in which enquiries were made. She addressed Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu via a video message, asking for action against the temple official.

(With inputs from agencies.)