: Added following victim complaints of blackmail and assault.
: He reportedly enticed women who visited the temple alone, offering them "special prasadham" or priority for puja to gain their trust. Violation of Rites
Documented responses from religious institutions and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
g., investigative journalism, legal analysis, or sociological commentary)? kanchipuram priest devanathan mms scandal exclusive
One of the most heartbreaking testimonies came from a 30-year-old woman, identified only as Malar (name changed), the wife of a local school teacher. In her police complaint, Malar alleged that the priest had drugged her before raping her inside the sanctum sanctorum. She further stated that Devanathan had recorded the act on his mobile phone and used the footage to blackmail her, forcing her into repeated sexual encounters.
In late 2009, 35-year-old Devanathan was accused of using his position at one of Kanchipuram's oldest temples to entice and sexually exploit women within the temple's sacred precincts. The controversy broke when a Tamil biweekly magazine published the story, and obscene video clips—some reportedly recorded in June, July, and August—began circulating throughout the region. Key Details of the Allegations
The 2009 Kanchipuram Devathan priest MMS scandal remains one of the most controversial incidents involving religious institutions in Tamil Nadu, exposing deep systemic issues regarding temple governance and the exploitation of sacred spaces. The case centered around Devanathan, a head priest at the historic Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, who was arrested after video clips surfaced showing him engaging in illicit sexual acts with multiple women inside the temple premises. The exclusive revelations surrounding the scandal sent shockwaves through the devotee community and triggered a massive public outcry that led to calls for sweeping reforms in temple administration. The Exposure and Arrest : Added following victim complaints of blackmail and assault
As the videos went viral, Devanathan fled with his family. He eventually surrendered to a judicial magistrate in Kanchipuram on November 16, 2009
This guide summarizes the controversy surrounding , a former temple priest in Kancheepuram, whose actions inside a sacred sanctum sparked a national scandal and significant social media debate. Core Controversy
When the story erupted, Devanathan . He fled Kanchipuram along with his wife Ganga and their two daughters, seeking to evade the police dragnet for almost two months. She further stated that Devanathan had recorded the
Following the public exposure and police registration of a case, Devanathan went into hiding with his family. He moved the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail, which was rejected. He surrendered before a judicial magistrate in Kanchipuram on November 16, 2009 Legal Charges:
: The controversy involves an MMS that allegedly features Devanathan in a compromising situation. The details of the MMS have not been verified due to the sensitive nature of the content.