Madurai: Renowned musician Ilaiyaraaja was stopped by temple authorities from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur in Virudanagar. The temple authorities informed him that only local priests are allowed to enter the sanctum. Upon being told this, Ilaiyaraaja turned back.

Following the incident, the priests honoured him outside the temple. Supporters of Ilaiyaraaja claim that he was unaware of the restriction on entering the sanctum and left when informed. 

Amidst criticism suggesting that the incident was caused by caste discrimination, the temple authorities have provided an explanation. They claimed that there were no other issues related to the incident.

The footage of the incident has gone viral on social media.