The Madras Temple which witnessed Communal Violence

This temple of Ganesha, called Varasiddhi Vinayakar, is a tiny temple located at the junction of NSC Bose Road and Devaraja Mudali Street. If you are from Madras's George Town/Sowcarpet area, you would have at least noticed this temple if you had not entered. The temple has no icons except Lord Ganesha and a small prakara around the shrine. But, only a few know that this temple has a 300 years old history.

(I am quoting a few historical details based on the book "Vestiges of Old Madras" written by H.D. Love and another book called "Madras in the Old Time" by Talboys Wheeler).

Since Madras was founded, tensions existed between the left-hand Chetti and right-hand Komati communities. The Governor, Thomas Pitt, settled the dispute through an agreement in 1708 CE. However, a fresh community dispute broke out in 1716 CE. According to Chettis, the Komatis usurped several titles that belonged to Chettis, and also they performed some ceremonies in front of the icon that belonged to Chettis. It was complained about by the representative of Chettis, Collaway Chetti, on 18th October. The icon is Chindadry Pillary, and the ceremony was Pennagundoo Naggarum (as per the British records - it's a kind of recital of prayers in the Sanskrit language).

On 20th December 1716 CE, the matter escalated, and the Left Hands Chettis called for closing shops. It was followed by a full-scale riot. The British summoned the heads of both communities and tried for a pact between them. This meeting, held on 24th December 1716 CE, was unsuccessful. On 7th January 1717 CE, just one day before embarking to Britain, Governor Harrison ordered that the Komaties could cry out Pennagundoo Naggarum at their houses and on ceremonies, but only after the icon of Ganesha. The matters were still not appropriately settled. On 8th January 1717 CE, Governor Collet, who had succeeded Harrison, issued an order. As per that, neither community would have any right to recite prayers before shrines of the other caste. He also warned that the icon would be shifted into the Gentoo Pagoda if the disputes continued. He added that no small Pagodas should be constructed without the Governor's permission to avoid future conflicts.

The Gentoo Pagoda mentioned above is Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple, which stood in the current site of the High Court. The historian, Mr. Sriram V. has identified Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple as the Chindadry Pillary Temple. Interestingly, the Ganesh icon never moved to Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple. But that temple was demolished and was rebuilt near the Ganesha temple.

Happy travelling.