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SINGAPORE, November 3, 2004: When the Sri Marathadi Muneeswarar temple received a court order initiated by JTC Corporation that the temple would be demolished, devotees reacted. Temple caretaker, Veerappan Ariappthire, tried to persuade the High Court to declare ownership of the land the temple is located on to him. The article says, “But the court threw out Mr Veerappan’s case because the land, which has been earmarked for industrial development, belongs to the State. It granted the demolition order in August. A notice to vacate has been issued to the temple.” JTC Corporation has asked the Hindu Endowment Board to arrange for the proper ceremonies before the temple is torn down. V.R. Nathan, chairman of HEB says, “The temple will be de-consecrated and the Deities de-sanctified following Hindu practises. The prayers will be conducted by a group of priests, headed by the senior consultant priest, with offerings to the Dieties. Thereafter, qualified sculptors will remove the Deities. The Deities will then be immersed in the deep sea. The Deities required for reinstallation at another temple will be preserved by the HEB.” Temple representative Mano Sharma comments, “We have sought spiritual guidance and were told to leave everything behind. Even if the temple is flattened, we are optimistic and have faith that the supernatural power will remain. We believe we will come back one day to rebuild it – even if it means starting from scratch.” Mr. Veerappan adds, “A peacock has made the temple its home two months ago. As the peacock is an auspicious animal in Hinduism, I see this as a sign. I will be here, standing outside the temple with my wife and children, to see how they are going to tear down this temple. I’m not taking away a single thing.”

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