Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja was allegedly asked not to enter Srivilliputhur Aandal temple in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar on Sunday evening. Several videos circulating on social media show Ilaiyaraaja being escorted out of the temple premises. According to media reports, the temple authorities asked him to step out of the temple's sacred chamber.
Reportedly, Ilaiyaraaja visited the temple to seek blessings ahead of the release of his music composition 'Divya Pasuram'. He was accompanied by Sadagopa Ramanuja Iyer and Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Sri Andal Jeeyar Mutt in Srivilliputtur.
A now-viral video shows the award-winning musician being asked to leave the garbhagriha, the sacred inner sanctum of the temple where the deity is housed.
Why was Ilaiyaraaja stopped from entering?
While it is not known why the veteran musician was asked to leave the temple, netizens claimed that he became a victim of caste-based discrimination as he is a Dalit. On the other hand, a report in News18 confirmed that the musician entered the space that is not allowed to the public.
A social media user claimed that when Ilaiyaraaja entered the sanctum of the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, the priests and devotees informed him that he was violating the rules of the temple. Subsequently, the musician came out of the sanctum sanctorum and offered prayers from outside.
Ilaiyaraaja has not reacted to the viral videos yet. The temple authorities are also yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Ilaiyaraaja, often referred to as the Isaignani (musical genius), is one of India's most celebrated composers and a Rajya Sabha MP. Born in 1943 in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, he revolutionised Indian music by blending classical, folk, and Western elements.
Over a career spanning five decades, he has composed for over 1,000 films and created more than 7,000 songs, earning accolades such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Known for his mastery of orchestration, he was the first Asian composer to perform at London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. His work transcends language barriers, leaving an indelible mark on global music.
