Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu has sparked controversy with his comment that “Lord Ram lost his mind,” prompting sharp criticism from the BJP in Tamil Nadu, which has called the remark unacceptable and accused him of repeatedly hurting religious sentiments.
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Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu has triggered a row with his remarks on Lord Ram. While receiving an award named after ancient Tamil poet Kambar, author of the Kamba Ramayanam, the Tamil version of Ramayana, Vairamuthu referred to a dialogue spoken by the character Vaali in Kambar’s version of the epic.
Vairamuthu said Vaali questions Ram’s actions, pointing out differences between his conduct as a ruler and during his vanavas.
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கம்பன் கழகத்தின்
பொன்விழாவில்
ஆழ்வார்கள்
ஆய்வுமையம் நிறுவிய
கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி
கம்பர் விருதை
மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர்
மு.க.ஸ்டாலின் அவர்கள்
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“மறைந்து நின்று
அம்பெய்து கொன்ற ராமனை
வால்மீகி மன்னிக்கவில்லை;
அம்பு வீசப்பட்ட வாலியும்
மன்னிக்கவில்லை;
அந்தப் பழியை உலகமும்… pic.x.com/FAvHggu1lT— வைரமுத்து (@Vairamuthu) August 9, 2025
Vaali points out that Ram relinquished his own kingdom for his brother, yet in the forest handed Vaali’s throne to Vaali’s brother. He then remarks that Ram’s behaviour might be forgiven, as he had gone “mad” with grief over losing Sita.
Vairamuthu, interpreting the verse, said: “Losing Sita, Raman has lost his mind. Someone who has lost his mind committing a crime is not considered a crime as per Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 84 of the IPC states that an offence committed by a person who is insane cannot be considered a crime. I don’t know if Kambar knew the IPC but he knew the society.”
He added that in this sense, Ram was “an accused who was acquitted,” forgiven, and became a human, while Kambar “became God.”
Backlash on Vairamuthu’s remarks on Lord Ram
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran condemned the remarks as “unacceptable,” questioning CM Stalin on whether he endorsed Vairamuthu’s comments.
BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy labelled Vairamuthu “a fool” and “someone who has lost his mind,” with the party calling him a “repeat offender” whose earlier remarks on the Hindu Goddess Andal had already hurt religious sentiments.
Vairamuthu also faced allegations during the Me Too movement, when singer Chinmayi Sripada had accused him of harassment. He denied the allegations and challenged her to file a formal complaint, saying he would fight it legally.
For now, the DMK has chosen not to respond, leaving the row to play out.
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