Tirunelveli temple ritual with human remains

Unusual Ritual at Tirunelveli Temple: Monks Dance with Human Remains During Festival, Case Filed

In a shocking incident that has sparked public outcry and legal action, five individuals have been booked for using human remains during a temple ritual in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district. The controversial act took place during the Kodai festival at the historic Sudalaimada Swamy temple in Veeravanallur, a village located in the heart of southern Tamil Nadu.

What Happened During the Tirunelveli Temple Festival?

On the night of June 6, 2025, during a traditional ritual known as Samakottai Vettai, a group of men—believed to be in a trance—reportedly went to a nearby crematorium. There, they allegedly retrieved a half-burnt human corpse and used its remains, including a human skull, as part of a ritualistic dance performed as an offering to the village deity.

A video capturing the shocking act has gone viral on social media, showing the men, dressed as monks, dancing with a human head. This has led to widespread public condemnation and concern over the sanctity and safety of temple rituals in rural Tamil Nadu.

Police Investigation Underway in Veeravanallur

Following the viral video and local complaints, the Tirunelveli police registered a case against the five accused individuals under various sections related to public nuisance, illegal exhumation, and disturbing human remains. Authorities confirmed that the remains were taken from a nearby graveyard or cremation site, sparking a deeper investigation into whether such acts are part of a recurring tradition or an isolated incident.

Cultural Context of the Sudalaimada Swamy Temple Ritual

The Sudalaimada Swamy temple in Tirunelveli is known for its unique and ancient rituals, many of which are rooted in folk traditions and ancestral worship. The Samakottai Vettai ritual is believed to be a symbolic hunt performed to ward off evil spirits. However, the use of actual human remains in religious practices is both legally prohibited and socially unacceptable in modern-day Tamil Nadu.

Public Reaction and Religious Sensitivity

While local devotees argue that the ritual was part of an age-old tradition, human rights groups and legal experts have called for stricter regulation of such temple festivals in Tirunelveli and across Tamil Nadu. Officials are now exploring ways to preserve cultural heritage without crossing ethical or legal boundaries.