Thiruvananthapuram/IBNS: National award-winning singer K S Chithra has come under social media attack for her recent video message urging people to chant Lord Ram hymns during the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22.

In a brief video circulated on social media platforms in the last two days, the singer asked everyone to chant the 'Sri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama' mantra at 12.20 pm, when the consecration ceremony is held.

She also asked people to light five-wick lamps in their houses in the evening on the same day to mark the occasion.

The 60-year-old singer concluded her message by reciting the Sanskrit hymn "Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu," wishing that the Almighty's blessings may be showered on everyone.

However, the video message from the singer didn't go down well with a section of netizens who vehemently criticised taking political sides.

Many felt that she took political sides by delivering such a message.

Singer Sooraj Santhosh reacted to Chithra's appeal and wrote on his Instagram story, "The highlight is the innocence of the people who say, "Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu," conveniently forgetting the history, putting aside the fact that the temple was built by demolishing a mosque. How many idols are going to be broken one by one? How many more KS Chithra will show their true colors? Pity."

Writer Indu Menon wrote on her Facebook account, "No matter how much you chant in the blood of people, their migration, and their pains, no Rama and Vishnu are going to come. Even if you light 5 lakh lamps, your mind is not going to be filled with light. The world believed that it was Nightingale only because of the voice, but it has been proven that you are actually a 'fake Nightingale.'"

Singer G Venugopal came out in support of Chithra and asked people to forgive her. He said, "All this is very upsetting for somebody who has not been involved in any kind of controversies till date. If there is a difference of opinion, can we not forgive her, who has sung so many songs for us, once?"

KS Chithra is a recipient of six national film awards and 36 state film awards from six states. The Padma Bhushan awardee has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages.