Suhanjana Gopinath, 28 years of age was handed over the appointment order as female Odhuvar (one who chants hymns) by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Suhanjana took charge at Dhenupureeswarar Temple at Madambakkam in Chennai.
Twenty four trained priests and 208 persons of all castes were given appointment orders by the Chief Minister on behalf of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. It is stated that the trained archakas were waiting for government positions for more than 13 years.
Suhanjana said that her husband and in-laws were very supportive of her choice and they plan to relocate their house near the temple as she plans to take her daughter with her to the temple.
The first woman Odhuvar was appointed during former Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi’s regime in 2007.
