The Tamil Saiva priest of the Aathi Paraasakthi temple in Valveddithurai was attacked by Sri Lankan soldiers, reported TamilNet on Tuesday.
The brutal assault happened shortly after the priest had reminded a soldier who had entered the temple premises wearing boots, that this act is considered sacrilegious.
The soldier, who had come in to retrieve a ball, returned with more soldiers, including his commander, who then proceeded to beat the priest, inflicting injuries that required hospitalisation.
The Sri Lankan Army had appropriated land belonging to the temple and turned it into a playground for them.