The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday sought response from the State to a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to authorities to conduct the dhuvajharohanam/ kodiyettram of Avani Mahotsavam of Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur as per the auspicious time fixed by the Vidhayagar.A Division Bench of Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel was hearing the petition filed by Sri Subramaniya Swamy Thirukoil Swathanthira Parabalana Sthalathar Sabha.The sabha said there existed a traditional office known as Vidhayagar which had been recognised in connection with religious customs and practices of the temple from time immemorial. One of the principal duties of the Vidhayagar was to determine and fix the appropriate timings for religious activities and ceremonies conducted at the temple. Such timings were fixed after taking into account the relevant astrological and religious considerations.The Devasthanam sought the recommendation of the Vidhayagar and the auspicious time for dhuvajharohanam/ kodiyettram of Avani Mahotsavam of the temple was fixed between 9.00 a.m. and 9.22 a.m. in accordance with the panchangam, established procedure and religious custom followed by the temple, the sabha said.However, it had been decided by the Joint Commissioner/ Executive Officer of the temple that dhuvajharohanam/ kodiyettram would be conducted on August 31 between 5.15 a.m. and 5.40 a.m. The timing was contrary to the timing prescribed in the panchangam prepared on the basis of the recommendation of the Vidhayagar. The alteration of the auspicious timing had been made without any consultation, the sabha said.The sabha sought a direction to restrain the authorities from conducting the ceremony between 5.15 a.m. and 5.40 a.m. and to follow the auspicious time fixed by the Vidhayagar. The court adjourned the hearing till Friday. Published - August 27, 2026 09:30 pm IST