254 dilapidated and neglected temples in Tamil Nadu identified for restoration

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has identified 254 dilapidated and neglected temples across Tamil Nadu for restoration and renovation, with priority to be given to completing the works before performing kumbabishekam, Ramesh, Minister for the Department, has said.

“This year, our primary focus is on temples that are in an advanced state of disrepair. So far, we have identified 254 such temples. While major, well-known temples usually receive greater attention, we are prioritising small, neglected ancient temples of historical significance that have fallen into severe ruin, with damaged structures, collapsed enclosure walls or even missing sanctum deities,” he told The Hindu.

Mr. Ramesh said the restoration and renovation of the temples would cost around ₹220 crore. The Department would take up the works after funds were allocated in the State Budget.

The Kashi Maharishi Temple at Keezhapoonthuruthi near Tiruvaiyaru, where works estimated at ₹50 lakh have been proposed
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“The works can be carried out in phases. The Chief Minister also feels that these temples should be restored and made fit for worship once again. Some of them are over 1,000 years old, and their history should be preserved and passed on to the people,” he said.

Asked whether the Department had completed the list of such temples, Mr. Ramesh said 254 temples had already been identified and surveys were under way to locate more.

“We are firm in our commitment. We are also preparing a list of temples that have not witnessed kumbabishekam for several years. Our plans include the restoration and desilting of temple tanks. We have identified 285 temple tanks that require attention,” he said.

Among the temples identified for restoration are the Kashi Maharishi Temple at Keezhapoonthuruthi near Tiruvaiyaru, where works estimated at ₹50 lakh have been proposed, and the Agastheeswarar Temple at Kattamkulam village near Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram district, where restoration is expected to cost about ₹2 crore.

Mr. Ramesh said special emphasis would also be given to the repair and maintenance of temple cars.

“We have found that 87 temple cars are in poor condition, preventing temples from conducting annual car festivals. These works will also depend on budgetary allocations, and they will be carried out in phases,” he said.

Donor-funded projects

Asked about involving donors, Mr. Ramesh said encouraging public participation was part of the Department’s agenda.

“However, there was a gap between donors and the Department during the previous government. We have also received complaints about irregularities in the utilisation of donor funds,” he said.

Explaining the issue, the Minister said some temples had received contributions from more than one donor for the same project.

“In some cases, the contribution from a single donor was sufficient to complete the work, but there is no clarity on what happened to the funds contributed by the other donors. We will soon announce a mechanism to streamline the execution of temple works with donor participation. The Department is committed to ensuring complete transparency in all donor-sponsored projects,” he said.

Mr. Ramesh said the Department was also preparing a master plan under which donors would be able to directly undertake the restoration of temple tanks and temple cars of their choice, subject to official supervision and oversight.