Supreme Court orders mediation in Kancheepuram temple dispute by appointing retired judge Justice S.K. Kaul to resolve differences between the Vadakalai and Thenkalai Vaishnavite sects. The dispute centres on the recitation of mantram and prabandham during ceremonial worship at the historic Devarajaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu.
The Supreme Court passed the order on January 28, 2026, while hearing a challenge to a Madras High Court judgment that favoured the Thenkalai sect. The petitioners argued that the ruling restricted traditional Vadakalai religious practices within the temple.
According to the Vadakalai representatives, the Devarajaswamy Temple holds a strong Vadakalai identity. They pointed out that the temple houses a shrine dedicated to Sri Vedanta Desikar, a revered Vadakalai acharya. The petition stated that preventing hymns praising Desikar violates the community’s fundamental right to practice religion.
The Supreme Court orders mediation in Kancheepuram temple dispute to ensure harmony and protect religious freedom. Justice Kaul will hold discussions with both sects and attempt to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
The court emphasised that mediation offers a constructive path in sensitive faith-based disputes. It also noted that prolonged litigation could deepen divisions between the communities.
The outcome of the mediation could set an important precedent for resolving inter-sect religious conflicts peacefully across India.
