INDIA, December 3, 2013 (Niti Central): (HPI Note: Niti Central is not exactly an “unbaised party” in reporting on this issue, but their article is quite comprehensive.)
On Wednesday, December 4, the Supreme Court will decide the much sought return of the sacred Nataraj temple at Chidambaram to its traditional custodians, the Podu Dikshitars. The Chidambaram temple, where Shiva eternally dances the dance of creation that maintains the stability of the worlds, is a major landmark of India’s Hindu civilisation, and Hindus have long considered its takeover by the State Government as a religious affront.
Other States have also taken over major Hindu temples in the country, on grounds of alleged mismanagement, but in reality to control the rich offerings by devotees. Not a single temple in a state of disrepair and neglect has ever benefited from the solicitude of the secular State. It goes without saying that no political party has ever dared interfere in the management of the religious institutions of non-Hindu faiths.
All important dynasties, the Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras, lavished devotion and generous grants on the temple and its priests. Parantaka Chola laid the golden roof above the sanctum. Legend says the crystal linga, ‘Spatika Linga,’ that is worshipped six times daily, was gifted by Adi Sankara. The saints Thirugnana Sambandar, Thiru Navukkarasar, Sundaramurti Swamigal and Manickavasagar visited and sang in praise of Nataraja. Rajendra Chola I, a descendant of Parantaka and son of Rajaraja Chola I, gifted the entire village to the Dikshitars, as recorded in copper plates (Epigraphica Indica – Karandai Plates). Thus the Brahmins assumed responsibility for the temple puja and administration, and also the judicial and administrative duties of the village.
The article then goes on to describe the state of the temple in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and the relevant court cases which is up for decision.
See “source” for the rest.