New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- The Madras High Court has ruled that non-Hindus who refuse to pledge reverence or abide by traditional customs cannot be allowed entry into Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. In a recent order, the Madras HC division bench comprising Justices G R Swaminathan and P Murugan noted that allowing non-Hindus who sport their religious markers or fail to furnish the requisite undertaking showing their reverence to the deity to enter temple premises would compromise their sanctity.

The court, however, made it clear that the ruling applies strictly to Agamic temples. An Agamic temple is a Hindu shrine built, consecrated and maintained according to Agama shastras, ancient manuals that prescribe every detail of temple life.

The cour...