Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Initiatives underHon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru.M.K.Stalin

Achievements of the Dravidian Model of Governance

Major Renovation Projects

• Master Plan Development: Renovation and infrastructure works in 19 major temples, including Tiruchendur, Palani, Tiruttani, Samayapuram, and Rameswaram, with an allocation of ₹1,770 crore.

Kumbabishekam (Consecration Ceremonies)

• Since CM Thiru M.K. Stalin assumed office, 2,967 temples have been consecrated.
• Includes 119 temples that had not been consecrated in over 20 to 400 years.
• The 3,000th Kumbabishekam is scheduled for June 5th at Thirupugalur Agneeswarar Temple in Nagapattinam District.

Ongoing Renovation Works

• 25,813 renovation works worth ₹5,970.26 crore are underway.
• 10,610 projects worth ₹1,350.78 crore are being fast-tracked with public donations.
• 12,104 temples received State Level Expert Committee approval for renovation/restoration.

Temple Marriages for Economically Weaker Sections

• 1,800 temple-conducted marriages with gifts worth ₹60,000 per couple, including 4g gold thali, silk saree, and dhoti.

Recovery of Temple Lands

• 7,560.05 acres of temple land valued at ₹7,671.23 crore recovered from encroachments.
• 201,097.42 acres surveyed; 123,851 boundary stones installed.
• ₹1,054.40 crore revenue generated from temple immovable properties.

Digital Archiving

• Around 24 lakh pages of records from the Commissioner’s office and temples digitized via ELCOT.

SKOCH Award 2025

• HR&CE Department received the SKOCH Gold Award for its Integrated Temple Management System, enhancing public services. Presented on March 29, 2025, in New Delhi.

Annadhanam (Free Meals)

• 13 major temples provide meals throughout the day; 764 temples provide mid-day meals.
• Over 3.5 crore devotees benefit annually.
• 523 temples certified by FSSAI for food quality and hygiene.

Spiritual Pilgrimage Support

• Subsidized pilgrimages to Mansarovar and Muktinath.
• 2,000 elderly devotees taken to Arupadai Veedu temples at government expense.
• Sponsored trips to Kashi, Rameswaram, and other pilgrim sites during Aadi and Purattasi months.

International Muthamizh Murugan Conference

• Held in Palani (August 24–25, 2024), attended by over 5 lakh people.
• 1,003 research papers submitted; participants from 17 countries, including ministers and justices.
• Featured VR displays, 3D musical shows, and exhibitions.

Equal Opportunity for Trained Priests from All Castes

• Law passed in 1972 by Kalaignar Karunanidhi implemented.
• 29 trained priests appointed; 94 (including 3 women) completed training.
• 45 Odhuvars, including 11 women, appointed.

Oru Kala Puja Scheme

• For 12,959 temples, ₹1 lakh per temple deposited for daily one-time puja.
• Fund later raised to ₹2 lakh, now ₹2.5 lakh, benefiting 18,000 temples.
• Monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for priests; ₹10,000 education aid for 900 priest’s children.

Renovation in Adi Dravidar/Tribal Areas

• 3,750 temples in Adi Dravidar/tribal villages renovated with ₹2 lakh each between 2021–2024.
• In 2024–25, grant increased to ₹2.5 lakh for 1,250 temples.

Renovation of Ancient Temples (Over 1,000 Years Old)

• ₹300 crore sanctioned over three years.
• 274 temples undergoing renovation worth ₹429.67 crore; 53 completed consecration.

UNESCO Award

• Abathsagayeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam restored using traditional and scientific methods; received UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Rope Cars and Cable Lifts for Hill Temples

• Ropeway/lift projects implemented at:
  • Palani (Idumban Hills) ₹90 crore
  • Ayyarmalai ₹9.1 crore
  • Sholingur ₹20.3 crore
  • Tiruneermalai ₹19.6 crore
  • Tirupparankundram ₹32.18 crore
  • Tirukalukundram ₹30.5 crore
  • Swamimalai ₹3.55 crore
  • Marudhamalai ₹5.2 crore

Worship in Tamil

• Tamil prayers introduced in 48 temples, expanded to 294.
• Priests receive 60% of archanai fees when performed in Tamil.
• 14 devotional books published.

Saint Vallalar Celebrations

• 200th birth anniversary of Saint Vallalar and other milestones celebrated over 52 weeks.
• Vallalar International Center announced at a cost of ₹99.90 crore.

Thiruvalluvar Temple Renovation

• Renovation to convert temple into a stone structure underway at ₹19.17 crore.

Avvaiyar Manimandapam

• Constructed at Arulmigu Avvaiyar Temple in Tulasiapattinam, Vedarnyam Taluk, at a cost of ₹18.95 crore.

Temple Gold Investment Scheme

• 1,074 kg of unused temple gold purified and deposited in SBI, earning ₹17.81 crore annually.

Prasadam Throughout the Day

• 25 temples now serve prasadam all day.

Temple Health Centers

• Allopathic medical clinics operational in 19 major/hill temples, aiding 6.88 lakh devotees.

Re-publication of Rare Religious Books

• 516 rare books re-published.
• 203 book stalls established in temples to distribute religious literature.

These milestones under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin reflect the Dravidian Model of Governance’s commitment to preserving Tamil culture, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring transparency and spiritual welfare through efficient temple administration.

Issued by: Department of Information and Public Relations, Secretariat, Chennai – 9