TAMIL DEVELOPMENT-CULTURE AND

RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT

HINDU RELIGIOUS & CHARITABLE
ENDOWMENTS DEPARTMENT
DEMAND NO.45
POLICY NOTE
INTRODUCTION
The innumerous temples situated throughout
Tamil Nadu spread information worldwide regarding
the pristine glory of the history, art and culture of Tamil
Nadu. These temples not only act as centers for public
worship, but also stand as the archaeological remains
of the hoary Hindu Culture and Tradition, and the
symbols of the rich, developed Tamil Culture of the
past. One of the foremost responsibilities for the
Government is to ensure an efficient and proper
management and the maintenance of the temples and
endowments attached thereto. The Department pays
great attention to protection and preservation of the
assets of the temples, ensuring strict observance of
the tradition, custom and usage in worship and also
providing necessary amenities for the devotees.
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" c©o bfhL¤njh® cæ® bfhL¤njhnu"

Those who provide food to the people living in this
earth, have really provide life to them. With a view to
bringing these golden lines of the Sangam Script
(Purananooru) to reality, this Government has
implemented Annadhanam Scheme providing good
noon meal in 171 temples in the State for the
devotees.
HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE
ENDOWMENTS ADMINISTRATION
Even before the year 1925, measures have
been taken for the efficient administration and
supervision of the Hindu Religious Charitable
Endowments in Tamil Nadu. Hindu temples,
Endowments and Holy Mutts were supervised by the
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Board in
the year 1925. However, it was replaced by a
separate Act in the year 1927. Several Amendment
Acts were enacted between 1927 and 1951. In the
year 1951, the Hindu Religious & Charitable
Endowments Board was abolished paving way for
the administration of the religious institutions by
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the Government. An amended Act of the Hindu

Religious and Charitable Endowments Act 22/1959
came into force from 01.01.1960 after making
appropriate amendments to the 1951 Act. The said
Act also later got amended several times and finally,
the Tamil Nadu (Amendment) Act, 1996 (Amendment
Act 39/1996) was enacted and this is in force since
09.12.1996. Through this Act, the powers and duties
of the Commissioner and other Subordinate Officers
have been defined besides making provisions for
supervisions and administration of the temples and
endowments.
HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE
INSTITUTIONS
There are 38,409 Hindu Religious, Charitable
and Jain Institutions under the management of this
Department in Tamil Nadu. The details are as below:
Temples 36,369
Holy Mutts 56
Temples managed by Holy Mutts 57
Charitable Endowments 189
Specific Endowments 1721
Jain Institutions 17
Total No. of Institutions 38,409
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The Religious Institutions have been

classified into two categories viz., Non – Listed and
Listed Institutions on the basis of their annual income
as below:
Sl. Classification Number of
No Institutions
I. Non-Listed Institutions
Institutions with an annual income
of less than Rs.10,000/- 34,420
II. Listed Institutions :
(i) with annual income of more
than Rs.10,000/- but less than
Rs.2.00 lakhs 3,398
(ii) with annual income of more
than Rs.2.00 lakhs but less
than Rs. 10.00 lakhs. 438

(iii) with annual income of the more

than Rs. 10.00 lakhs. 153

Total 38,409

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

Under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and

Charitable Endowments Act 1959 as amended by Act
39/1996, the administration of Hindu Religious and
 5

Charitable Endowments Administration Department is

headed by the Commissioner in the cadre of an I.A.S.
The Commissioner is solely responsible for the
general administration, functioning and supervision of
this Department. At the Headquarters the following
Officers assist the Commissioner:
(1) Additional Commissioner
(2) Joint Commissioner (Head Quarters)
(3) Joint Commissioner (Thiruppani)
(4) Personal Assistant to the Commissioner
(in the cadre of Assistant Commissioner)
(5) Additional Personal Assistant to the
Commissioner (Assistant Commissioner cadre)
(6) Assistant Commissioner (Legal Cell)
(7) Assistant Commissioner (Jewels Verification)

Officers serving on deputation from other

departments to assist the Commissioner:
I. (1) Special Officer (Temple Lands) –
(in the cadre of District Revenue Officer)

(2) Special Tahsildars -3

(Kumbakonam, Chidambaram & Madurai)
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II. (1) Superintending Engineer

(2) Executive Engineer
(3) Assistant Divisional Engineer
(4) Assistant Engineer
(5) Draughtsman

III. (1) Senior Accounts Officer

(Pay & Accounts Department)
(2) Assistant Accounts Officer
(Pay & Accounts Department)

IV. (1) Chief Audit Officer

(In the cadre of Deputy Secretary,
Finance Department)

The above officers are assisting the

Commissioner both in the administration of the Head
Office and the Subordinate Office regarding lands,
establishment, renovations, suits, auditing, etc. of the
temple administration.
For the administrative convenience, the
statewide administration of this department has been
divided into ‘10’ separate Regions, each headed by a
Joint Commissioner. Such regions have further been
divided into 22 divisions each having an Assistant
Commissioner as the administrative head. They are
as detailed below:
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S.No Region Division Jurisdiction

1. Joint 1) Assistant Chennai District,

Commissio- Commissioner, Ambattur, Ponneri,
ner, Chennai. Thiruvallur,
Chennai Uthukottai Taluks in
Thiruvallur District.

2. Joint 2) Assistant Kancheepuram

Commissio- Commissioner, District,
ner, Vellore Kancheepuram. Gummudipoondi,
Poonamalli,
Thiruthani Taluks in
Thiruvallur District.

3) Assistant Vellore District

Commissioner,
Vellore.

4) Assistant Thiruvannamalai
Commissioner, District
Thiruvanna-
malai.

3. Joint 5) Assistant Dharmapuri,

Commission Commissioner, Krishnagiri Districts
er,Salem. Dharmapuri.

6) Assistant Salem, Namakkal

Commissioner, Districts.
Salem.
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4. Joint 7) Assistant Coimbatore, Nilgiris

Commissio- Commissioner, Districts
ner, Coimbatore
Coimbatore.
8) Assistant Erode District
Commissioner,
Erode.

5. Joint 9) Assistant Orathanadu,

Commissio- Commissioner, Papanasam,
ner, Thanjavur. Pattukottai,
Thanjavur. Peravoorani,
Thanjavur,
Thiruvaiyaru Taluks
in Thanjavur
District.
Mannargudi,
Needamangalam,
Valangaimaan
Taluks in Thiruvarur
District.

10) Assistant Keelvelur,

Commissioner, Nagapattinam,
Nagapattinam. Thirukuvalai,
Vedaranyam
Taluks in
Nagapattinam
District.
Kudavasal,
Nannilam,
Thiruthuraipoondi,
Thiruvarur Taluks in
Thiruvarur District.
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6. Joint 11) Assistant Kumbakonam,

Commissio- Commissioner, Thiruvidaimaruthur,
ner, Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam
Mayiladu- Taluks in Thanjavur
thurai. District.
Mayiladuthurai,
Sirkali,
Tharangambadi
Taluks in
Nagapattinam
District.
12) Assistant Cuddalore District
Commissioner,
Cuddalore.
13) Assistant Villupuram District
Commissioner,
Villupuram.

7. Joint 14) Assistant Tiruchirappalli

Commissio- Commissioner, District.
ner, Tiruchirappalli. Aravakurichi, Karur,
Tiruchira- Krishnarayapuram
palli. in Karur District.
15) Assistant Ariyalur District.
Commissioner,
Ariyalur.
16) Assistant Pudukottai District.
Commissioner, Kulithalai Taluk in
Pudukottai. Karur District.

8. Joint 17) Assistant Madurai & Dindigul

Commissio- Commissioner, Districts.
ner, Madurai.
Madurai.
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9. Joint 18) Assistant Virudhunagar

Commissio- Commissioner, District.
ner, Virudhunagar.
Sivagangai. 19) Assistant Sivagangai &
Commissioner, Ramanathapuram
Paramakudi. Districts.
10. Joint 20) Assistant Tirunelveli District
Commissio- Commissioner,
ner, Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli. 21) Assistant Thoothukudi
Commissioner, District
Thoothukudi.
22) Assistant Kanniyakumari
Commissioner, District
Nagercoil.

There is an Assistant Commissioner for the

Icon Centre at Thiruvarur and there are 9 Assistant
Commissioners and a Deputy Commissioner working
as Jewels Verification Officers at the respective Joint
Commissioners’ regions. An Assistant Divisional
Engineer and a Draughtsman are working in each
Joint Commissioner’s Division to carry out renovation
works in the Religious Institutions through preparation
of estimates and supervision. Every Assistant
Commissioner’s division has an Assistant Engineer for
preparation of estimates and supervision of works.
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For the purpose of periodical auditing at all

religious institutions, there are 2 Deputy Chief Audit
Officers and 17 Regional Audit Officers and 28
Assistant Audit Officers working in this Department.
There is a Regional Audit Officer at the Head
Office who assist the Commissioner on inspecting the
Mutts.
ADMINISTRATION OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
Depending on the significance, revenue, assets
and other activities of the Religious Institutions, the
following posts of Executive Officers in various cadres
have been sanctioned for supervising the
administration of the temples.
1) Joint Commissioner/ 6
Executive Officer
2) Deputy Commissioner/ 14
Executive Officer
3) Assistant Commissioner/ 27
Executive Officer
4) Executive Officer-Grade I 66
5) Executive Officer-Grade II 112
6) Executive Officer-Grade III 250
7) Executive Officer-Grade IV 154
Total 629
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ADMINISTRATION OF MUTTS
At present 56 Mutts and 19 endowments
attached to those Mutts, are under the control of this
department. To ensure the proper administration of
these mutts, a separate Audit Section consisting of a
Regional Audit Officer and other officers is functioning
at the Head Office to assist the Commissioner.
DISTRICT COMMITTEES
As per the Hindu Religious & Charitable
Endowments Act, the Government has to constitute
District Committees at all districts with a Chairman and
four members. Accordingly, 30 District Committees
have been constituted for 30 Districts. The Assistant
Commissioner of the respective division is functioning
as the Co-ordinator for the Committees.

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
To administer every temple according to the
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Act,
Trustees are appointed for the temples.
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The Government directly appoints trustees for

the religious institutions getting an annual income of
Rs.10,00,000/- and above.
As recommended by the District Committees,
the Commissioner appoints the trustees for the
religious institutions getting an annual income not less
than Rs.2,00,000/- and not more than Rs.10,00,000/-.
Persons of eminence and reputation have been
appointed as Trustees according to these norms at
various temples and they are functioning as Trust
Boards electing their Chairman and help for the
growth of the respective institutions.
The District Committees examine and submit
the list of qualified persons to be appointed as
Trustees for the Non-listed Temples and Listed
Temples with an annual income of less than
Rs.10,00,000/-.
The Joint Commissioner of the respective
region appoints Trustees for the temples with an
annual income not less than Rs.10,000/- and not more
than Rs.2,00,000/- as per the recommendation of the
District Committee.
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The Assistant Commissioner of the respective

region appoints Trustees for the Non-listed temples
getting an annual income less than Rs.10,000/- as
per the recommendation of the District Committee.
Except for the institutions where the
Government appoints the Trustees, all the other
institutions will have that Trustees appointed in the
above manner but the number of trustees would only
be 3. An additional number of 2 trustees may be
appointed directly by the Government if so desired.
As explained above, the appointed Trustees
are now discharging their duties at 452 temples.
Action is being taken for the earlier appointment of
Non-hereditary trustees at all the remaining
institutions.
Non-hereditary Trustees cannot be appointed
in 8,633 Institutions where the management is run
either by the Hereditary Trustees or cases of disputes
related to the office of the trusteeship are pending.
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LAND ADMINISTRATION BY RELIGIOUS

INSTITUTIONS

(a) Details of Lands, Buildings and Sites:

There are 4,79,138.28 acres of Dry, Wet and
Maanavari lands belonging to all the religious
institutions as detailed below:

Nature
of the Temple Lands Mutt Lands Total Lands
Land
Acre Cents Acre Cents Acre Cents
Wet 1,83,853 43 21,282 05 2,05,135 48
Dry 2,18,704 75 34,543 15 2,53,247 90
Maana 20,754 90 -- -- 20,754 90
vari
Total 4,23,313 08 55,825 20 4,79,138 28

There are 1,20,339 leaseholders in temple

lands. There are 23,388 building tenants in 22,599
buildings and 58,936 site tenants in 33,627 sites
enjoying the temple buildings and sites respectively.

(b) Revenue Court:

In order to collect the dues, fixing fair rent and
to enquire into cases related to such arrears due with
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regard to cultivable lands and to evict the defaulters,

Revenue Courts are functioning at the following
places presided by the Special Deputy Collectors.
Regular Courts
1. Thanjavur
2. Tiruchirappalli
3. Mayiladuthurai
4. Thiruvarur
5. Cuddalore
6. Madurai

Courts by Special sittings

1. Mannargudi
2. Kumbakonam
3. Salem

21,365 cases have been filed before these

Courts to collect arrears of Rs.25.73 crores. By the
disposal of 7,292 cases, an amount to the tune of
Rs.4.48 crores have been ordered to be paid up to the
temples and steps are being taken to collect the
same. A balance of Rs.21.25 crore arrears is involved
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in the 14,073 number of pending cases before the

Revenue Courts.
(C) Fair Rent Fixation:
The Fair Rent Committee constituted by the
Commissioner is functioning at all Regions. The
Committee revises the rates for the building and sites
once in every 3 years. The Committee fixes fair rent
based on the market value of the site and building as
per the Government Order concerned. The guidelines
of calculation were issued on 04.06.1999 but
temporarily the order remained suspended from
27.04.2000. Later, the order of suspension was re-
examined by the Government and ordered to be
revived from 01.11.2001. Accordingly the fair rent is
being fixed for the buildings, sites etc belonging to the
temple.
So far, 17,402 buildings and 35,184 sites have
been fixed fair rent fetching an increase of Rs.4.75
crores increase in the revenue. The Fair Rent
Committee continues their task of fixing fastly the fair
rents for the rest of the buildings and sites of the
Temples.
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ANNADHANAM SCHEME:
Being one of the noblest schemes announced
by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Annadhanam scheme
was inaugurated on 23.03.2002 at Arulmighu
Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore. By gradually
extending the scheme to more number of temples, this
scheme is now being implemented in 171 temples
feeding the pilgrims at noon everyday. So far
1,76,59,630 devotees have been benefited by this
Scheme.
Hon’ble Chief Minister regularly donates for this
Scheme, by giving her monthly salary of Rs.10,000/-
every month to a temple that implements this Scheme.
So far, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has donated to 35
temples totaling Rs.3,50,000/- for this Scheme.
A special account for this Scheme has been
opened in the name of the Commissioner and a sum
of Rs.365 lakhs has been received as donations from
rich and philanthropic industrialists. Out of this
amount Rs.44 lakhs have been diverted to those
temples implementing this Scheme where the fund
 19

position is deficit. The remaining amount of Rs.321

lakhs is kept in deposit.
Rs.20 crores have been diverted from the
surplus funds of the rich and affluent temples to
generate a Corpus Fund for this Scheme. Out of the
interest derived from this deposit, a sum of Rs.33
lakhs has been released for those temples which are
in deficit of funds.
An amount of Rs.19.74 crores have been
received both as donations for this Scheme and
specific contributions through the specific Annadhana
Hundis installed in these temples. Out of this receipt,
Rs.13.99 crores have been expended towards this
Scheme and Rs.5.75 crores remains as deposit.
SPIRITUAL AND MORAL CLASSES
In all the 171 temples implementing the
Annadhana Scheme, spiritual and moral classes are
conducted on every Sunday for the children to
inculcate spirituality, morality and discipline in their
lives. Eminent scholars are invited to take simple and
lucid lessons to the children.
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ELEPHANTS SPECIAL REJUVENATION CAMP

Not only humans but also all the living beings
are to be treated with kindness. Our Hon'ble Chief
Minister is firm believer of this noble idea. She also
follows this sincerely and bestows kindness towards
animals. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister instructed not to
engage the temple elephants continuously through out
the year, but to provide them with sufficient rest and
relaxation. Hon’ble Chief Minister has also issued
detailed instructions with regard to the maintenance
and monitoring the health of the elephants providing
medicine and treatments etc after thorough medical
check up. Above all, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has
ordered for conducting a Special Health Camp every
year for the benefit and well being of the elephants
maintained in temples and by private persons. This
camp is aimed to provide the elephants a good health
care refreshment and rejuvenation by giving them
special food and medical facility and thereby to
maintain their physical and mental conditions.
Accordingly, the elephants' rejuvenation health camp
was arranged at a place located at 12 acres stretch of
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mountainous region of Mudumalai Sanctuary where

water, air and other conditions of environment are at
the best and conducive. During the year 2003-2004,
one hundred elephants participated in the Camp for
30 days. In the Year 2004-2005, the Camp lasted for
a period of 48 days from 18.11.2004 to 04.01.2005
benefiting 113 elephants. The elephants, which
attended the Camps, were treated well with the best
medicinal and health care, apart from nutrient food,
under the constant supervision of the experts. In these
Camps thus many elephants suffering from long
ailments were cured and brought back to their original
spirit. The Government met the entire expenditure for
this year’s camp. In future, this camp will be continued
every year fully funded by the Government.
ROPE CAR AT PALANI
As the first of its kind in the South, a Rope Car
service was started at Palani, A/m.
Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple for the benefit of
devotees. Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated this
service on 03.11.2004 and dedicated it to the
devotees. Having 24 carriages, each accommodating
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four persons, the Rope Car has been designed to a

length of 323 metres. The Rope Car transports 800
persons per hour at a speed of 3 metres per second,
with a single way travel time of 165 seconds.
By this novel service, aged, sick, handicapped
and even families with kids are able to easily get
transported to the Hill Temple and receive the
blessings of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapaniswamy.
THIRUPPANI
Most of the temples sung in praise by the
Alwars and Nayanmars-the mystic poets of
Vaishnavism and Saivism – are situated in Tamil Nadu
itself. Many of those temples are in a dilapidated
condition due to lack of periodic maintenance. It is
very much important that such temples of
archaeological, historical importance, those which are
hailed as "Prarthana sthalas", and besides the other
temples in the villages and in the SC/ST or Backward
communities' habitations are taken up for immediate
maintenance and renovation. Renovation work is
being taken up in those temples through funds drawn
from the following sources:
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i) Donations received from the Public

ii) Funds from the respective Religious
Institutions.
iii) Funds diverted from the surplus funds of the
affluent temples.
iv) Government grant.
v) The Commissioner’s Common Good Fund.

vi) Temple Development Fund.

vii) Village Temples Renovation Fund.
viii) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund.
ix) Voluntary Donor works by philanthropists

When rich philanthropists or other local

devotees come forward to take up renovation works
as donors in the temples, the department encourages
them and depending on the need partakes in the
renovation work by contributing a portion of the work
expenses from the Temple Fund or Government grant.
Such contributions by the department would only be
up to 25% of the total estimated cost because the
department has the responsibility of rendering
assistance to thousands of temples through out the
State.
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(1) Donations from the Public:

The pious and service minded philanthropists,
industrialists, Trusts and the general public are
voluntarily donating in cash or kind to the temples to
carryout the renovation works. Such kind of
renovation work by the donors have been carried out
to the tune of Rs.946.13 lakhs during the year
2004-05.
(2) Funds from the respective Religious
Institutions:
Temples that have sufficient surplus funds,
have been meeting the expenses of their own
renovation works either partly or fully. Such works
have been carried out in the year 2004-05 to the tune
of Rs.1454.17 lakhs.
(3) Diversion of surplus funds from affluent
temples:
Under Section 36 of Tamil Nadu Hindu
Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, funds are
diverted to the needy temples from the temples having
surplus funds for renovation works. Such works have
 25

been carried out in the year 2004-05 to the tune of

Rs.177.18 lakhs.
(4) Government Grants:
Every year under Budget allocation for this
Department, the Government is providing funds for
temple renovation works. Under this item, Temples
Renovation works were carried out to the tune of
Rs.75 lakhs during the year 2004-2005.

(5) Commissioner's Common Good Fund :

The Commissioner's Common Good Fund has
been created out of the voluntary contributions made
by the Religious Institutions or by individuals for the
purpose of renovation and preservation of the
temples. During the year 2004-2005, a sum of
Rs.52.36 lakhs was released for 25 temples from the
Commissioner's Common Good Fund.
(6) Temple Development Fund:
A corpus fund of Rs. 5 crores has been created
by way of diversion of surplus funds from affluent
temples. The interest accrued thereon is utilized, with
the prior permission of Government, for the renovation
 26

of temples which have historical importance, and are

ancient in nature and consecrated by the spiritual
verses of Nayanmars and Alwars. Under this Scheme
during the year 2004-2005 a sum of Rs.8.38 lakhs
was released to 4 temples.

(7) Village Temple Renovation Fund:

A corpus fund of Rs. 2 crores has been created
from the surplus fund of Arulmighu
Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani. From the
interest accrued annually, financial assistance of
Rs.25,000/- each is released for the renovation works
of temples which are situated in the villages, but not
under the control of this department. So far, 1625
village temples have been benefited under this
scheme, and the total financial assistance is
Rs.3,23,24,000/-
(8) Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund:
A fund in the name of “The Chief Minister’s
Temple Renovation and Maintenance Fund”, was
created on 5-8-1991 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister by
donating a sum of Rs.1,08,000/- in order to preserve
 27

the Temples that reflect our rich tradition, culture and

heritage. Further, donations have been received to
this fund from service minded philanthropists and also
from the public. This fund is now named as "Temple
Renovation and Charitable Fund".

(9) Voluntary Donor works by philanthropists

It has been the practice that temple renovation

works are allowed to be taken up by rich and
philanthropists on voluntary basis as "Donor Works"
under the supervision of this department. The
department encourages them by rendering assistance
by all means. During the year 2004-05, such
renovations have been carried out to the tune of
Rs.1285.18 lakhs.

RENOVATION OF TEMPLES SITUATED IN

ADI-DRAVIDARS AND BACKWARD
CLASSES RESIDENTIAL AREAS
This scheme was launched to fulfill the long
pending request for renovating temples situated in the
habitations of Adi-dravidars. Under this scheme, till
last year, 275 temples have been given a financial
 28

assistance at the rate of Rs.25,000/- each for

renovation purposes. As per the orders of the
Hon'ble Chief Minister, 6,000 temples have been
selected additionally under the programme during the
year 2004-05. An amount of Rs.15 crores diverted
from the surplus funds of affluent temples has been
distributed at the rate of Rs.25,000/- each to the
selected temples.
PEFORMANCE OF KUMBABISHEGAM IN
TEMPLES
According to the Agamas. “Kumbabhisegam”
(consecration) has to be performed for every temple
once in 12 years. Accordingly, kumbabishekam is
performed for large number of temples in Tamil Nadu
every year. Kumbabishekam has been performed
totally for 3817 temples since the present Government
took charge in 2001 till 2004-2005. During the last
year, Kumbabishekam has been performed for the
following important temples:
i. Arulmighu Nellaiappar Temple, Thirunelveli.
ii. Arulmighu Thanumalayaswamy Temple,
Suchindram.
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iii. Arulmighu Karpaga Vinayakar Temple,

Pillayarpatti.
iv. Arulmighu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore
v. Arulmighu Parthasarathiswamy Temple,
Triplicane.
vi. Arulmighu Maruntheeswarar Temple,
Thiruvanmiyur.
vii. Arulmighu Venkatachalapathy Temple,
Gunaseelam.
viii. Arulmighu Vinayagar Temple, Echanari
ix. Arulmighu Navaneetheswarar Temple, Sikkal

GOLDEN CAR THIRUPPANI

Pulling Golden Car with Utsava deity seated in
a popular mode of fulfilling prarthanas for devotees in
many temples. Golden Car is in use in the following 20
temples:
1) Arulmighu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani
2) Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple,
Madurai.
3) Arulmighu Subramaniswamy Temple,
Thiruchendur
4) Arulmighu Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram
5) Arulmighu Subramaniaswamy Temple,
Maruthamalai.
 30

6) Arulmighu Swaminathaswamy Temple,

Swamimalai.
7) Arulmighu Vaidhyanathaswamy Temple,
Vaitheeswarakoil.
8) Arulmighu Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple,
Sankarankoil.
9) Arulmighu Ramanathaswamy Temple,
Rameswaram.
10) Arulmighu Devi Karumariamman Temple,
Thiruverkadu
11) Arulmighu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore
12) Arulmighu Kandaswamy Temple, Park Town,
Chennai.
13) Arulmighu Vadapalaniandavar Temple,
Vadapalani
14) Arulmighu Kamakshiamman Temple, Mangadu.
15) Arulmighu Kamakshiamman Temple,
Kanchipuram
16) Arulmighu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Thiruttani.
17) Arulmighu Balamurugan Temple, Rathnagiri.
18) Arulmighu Vinayagar Temple, Eachanari
19) Arulmighu Subramaniaswamy Temple,
Sivanmalai.
20) Arulmighu Deivanayaga Perumal Temple,
Nanguneri
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Making of Golden Car is in progress in the following

temples:
1) Arulmighu Mariamman Temple, Bannari
2) Arulmighu Mathurakaliamman Temple, Siruvachur
3) Arulmighu Kottaimariamman Temple, Dindigul
4) Arulmighu Mundakakanniamman Temple,
Mylapore

GOLDEN VIMAANA THIRUPPANI

In order to fulfill this long pending wish of the
devotees, it has been ordered to decorate the
Moolasthana Vimaana of Arulmighu Mariamman
Temple, Samayapuram, fully with Gold Plate. Various
gold ornamental contributions by the devotees offered
to this temple as "Kaanikkai" weighing about 71 kgs
are to be melted for the above Golden Plating Work,
at a cost of Rs.6 crores.

TEMPLE CAR THIRUPPANI

At present 823 temples have Temple cars
made of wood. Out of these, 148 temple cars need to
be repaired and renovated. Steps have been taken to
revive the Car Festivals and protect the temple cars.
During the year 2004-2005, 22 Temple cars have
 32

been repaired and renovated, and Car Festival

revived. 10 wooden temple cars have been made
anew in the following 9 temples, and Car Festival has
been conducted.

1) Arulmighu Mayuranathaswamy Temple,

Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam District.
2) Arulmighu Bava Oushatheeswarar Temple,
Thiruthuraipoondi, Thanjavur District.
3) Arulmighu Kailasanathaswamy Temple,
Tharamangalam, Salem District.
4) Arulmighu Kowmariamman Temple, Veerapandi,
Theni District.
5) Arulmighu Balasubramaniaswamy Temple,
Tenkarai, Periyakulam, Theni District.
6) Arulmighu Viruthagireeswarar Temple,
Virudhachalam, Cuddalore District.
7) Arulmighu Thinthiruneeswarar Temple,
Tindivanam, Villupuram District.
8) Arulmighu Parthasarathyswamy Temple,
Triplicane, Chennai.
9) Arulmighu Adhikesavaperumal &
Bashyakaraswamy Temple, Sriperumpudur,
Kanchipuram District.
 33

TEMPLE TANK RENOVATION

There are 2235 temple tanks belonging to 1552
temples under the control of this department. Steps
have been taken to implement Rainwater Harvesting
Scheme in the temple tanks, renovating the temple
tanks, and to conduct Float festivals. 508 temple
tanks have so far been renovated since this
Government took charge. The renovation and
maintenance work will be carried out in the rest of the
temple tanks in the coming years.
REVIVAL OF KAALA POOJAS IN THE ANCIENT
TEMPLES
With the surplus funds of the affluent temples,
steps were taken to revive Kaala poojas in the
historical and ancient temples having negligible
income and on which the Alwars & Nayanmars have
sung hymns. Consequently, financial assistance has
been given to 22 temples of this category from the
surplus funds of 11 temples. Sanction is being
accorded for Rs.3,13,564/- per year.
 34

ORU KALA POOJA SCHEME

"Oru Kala Pooja" scheme was introduced to
ensure performance of Pooja at least once in a day in
temples, which have no resources. In order to
encourage the general public to participate in this
scheme, it has been announced that if they contribute
once Rs.2,500/- per temple, a sum of Rs.20,000/- will
be diverted from the surplus funds of the affluent
temples, Rs.1,300/- from Temple Renovation &
Charitable Fund, and Rs.1,200/- from the Temple
Development Fund, so as to make a corpus of
Rs.25,000/- which will be deposited as Fixed Deposit
in the name of the temple. The interest accrued from
this deposit will be utilized for performing Oru Kaala
Pooja for that temple. During 2004-2005, 432 number
of temples have been benefited. Totally 10,227
temples have been benefited under this scheme so
far.
AMENITIES FOR PILGRIMS
(a) Free custody of footwear left by devotees
Devotees have been paying fee for the safe
custody of their footwear before entering temples.
 35

Hon'ble Chief Minister ordered this service to be made

available free of cost in all temples from 1.7.2004 in
the interest of the devotees.
(b) Drinking water
Action has been taken to provide pure drinking
water in all the temples for the use of devotees. This
facility has been implemented in 2091 temples during
the year 2004-2005.
(c) Toilet facilities
Steps were taken to provide modern toilet
facilities for the convenience of the devotees by
providing separate toilets for men and women.
This facility has been implemented in 272 temples.

(d) Cottages, Rooms, Cloak Rooms etc

Action has been taken to provide adequate
number of Cottages, Rooms, Dormitories, Cloak
Rooms in the temples visited daily by large number of
devotees.
(e) Supply of Parivattams to the temples having no
income
Temples that have low income cannot afford to
spend for Robes (Parivattams) for all the icons in their
 36

temple. To remedy this difficulty, it has been ordered

to divert the Parivattams available with the surplus
temples and such an arrangement is being followed
during festival seasons.
(f) Safety of Icons and Other Valuables
All possible measures such as installation of
burglar alarms, Tell-tale clocks, Inner locks, fixing
Iron gates, appointment of night watchmen,
appointment of Temple Protection Force, have been
taken to prevent thefts in temples.
The department is maintaining Icon Centers at
the following places for safe custody of the valuable
Icons of the temples having inadequate security.
During festival season, the Icons are allowed to be
taken to the respective temples for taking out in
procession. They are brought back to these centers
after completing the festival. Daily poojas are being
performed for the icons at these centers.
1. Thiruvarur Icon Protection Centre, Thiruvarur
(Arulmighu Thiyagarajaswamy Thirukkoil
Complex, Thiruvarur)
2. Arulmighu Akilandeswari Jambukeswarar
Thirukoil, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruchirapalli.
 37

3. Arulmighu Meenakshisundareswarar Thirukoil,

Madurai.
4. Arulmighu Kanthimathi Udanurai Nellaiappar
Thirukkoil , Thirunelveli.
5. Arulmighu Sugavaneswarar Thirukkoil, Salem.

Totally 3188 icons are protected at these

centers. Sooner such an Icon Center will start
functioning at Arulmighu Naganathaswamy Temple,
Kumbakonam. Action has been taken to construct
Icon Centres at Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai,
Vellore, and Cuddalore. Rs.120 Lakhs have been
allotted under Part II Scheme to construct Icon centers
at Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Madurai and Sivagangai
during 2004-2005 financial year.
TEMPLE PROTECTION FORCE
With a view to protecting the Icons, Jewels,
Hundials and other valuables in the temples, “Temple
Protection Force” was constituted, and 1000 posts of
Grade II Police Constables, and 3000 posts of Ex-
Servicemen were sanctioned for appointment for this
purpose. At present 1000 Grade II Constables and
 38

2751 Ex-Servicemen, totaling 3751 men are serving in

this Temple Protection Force.
KARUNAI ILLAMS
“Karunai Illams” were started in the Temples
which are under the control of Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments Department. There are 42
Karunai Illams functioning in 37 temples benefiting
893 boys and 461 girls, totaling 1354 children. The
expenditure for maintenance of these Illams were
borne by the respective temples. From the year
1998-99, it has been ordered to incur this expenditure
at the rate of Rs.200/- per child by the Social Welfare
Department and at the rate of Rs.400/- per child from
the temple fund. Accordingly, a sum of Rs.76,15,000/-
has been disbursed to the temples as Government
Grant during the year 2004-05.
EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS
MAINTAINED BY TEMPLES
With the aim of imparting knowledge and
training to the children, and inculcating good habits
discipline among them from childhood, the temples
are running institutions such as schools, colleges,
 39

Padasalas and Welfare Homes relating to religion,

arts, culture and general education.
(a) Educational Institutions
1) Colleges .. 5
2) Polytechnics .. 2
3) Higher Secondary Schools .. 12
4) High Schools .. 10
5) Middle Schools .. 3
6) Elementary Schools .. 10
7) Matriculation School .. 1
8) Nagaswaram and Thavil
Training Schools .. 4
9) Veda Agama Padasalas .. 4
10) Thevara Padasalas .. 2
11) Dhivya Prabhandha Padasalas 3
12) Deaf and Dumb School .. 1
(b) Social Service Institutions:
1) Siddha Hospitals .. 9
2) Allopathy Hospitals .. 2
3) Karunai Illams .. 42
4) Old Age Homes .. 3
------
Total 113
 40

FREE MARRIAGES IN TEMPLES

Free marriages for the poor and needy in the
weaker section of the society are conducted on behalf
of the temples having surplus funds. Rs.5,500/- is
spent for each couple under this scheme. Free
marriages have been conducted for 2550 couples
under this scheme since the Government took charge.
Adi-dravidars, Scheduled Tribes, Backward class &
Most Backward class people, and economically
weaker sections of society have been benefited under
the programme.
ARCHANAI IN TAMIL
To promote worshipping in Tamil in temples,
Tamil Archana Books have been published in Tamil
language.
SHEKKIZHAR VIZHA
A corpus fund with Rs. 5 lakhs was created
from the surplus funds of the temples in order to
celebrate Divine Saint Shekkizhar Vizha every year.
The above vizha is celebrated every year in a grand
manner utilising the interest amount accrued from the
 41

above corpus fund. Rs.31,900/- has been spent for

celebration of Shekkizhar vizha on 18th May 2004.
THIRUGNANA SAMBANDAR ‘ISAI VIZHA’
In memory of Thirugnana Sambandar, one of
the four famous saivite saints, a music festival is
conducted every year by the Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments Administration Department
at Arulmighu Vedagiriswarar Temple,
Thirukazhukundram. The expenditure for this festival
is sanctioned from the Commissioner’s Common
Good Fund. A sum of Rs.15,000/- has been
disbursed for celebration of this festival on 4th June
2004.
AVVAI VIZHA
Arulmighu Avvaiyar & Arulmighu
Viswanathaswamy Temple is situated at
Thulasiyapattinam village of Vedaraniyam Taluk,
Nagapattinam District. Avvai Vizha is being celebrated
as a Government function. Accordingly sanction has
been accorded for Rs.50,000/- for celebrating this
festival during April 2005.
 42

THAYUMANAVAR VIZHA
Saint Thayumanaswamy was the one who gave
priority in his verses for philosophy through bakthi cult.
Saint Thayumanaswamy got attracted by Saint
Mounaguru while returning after darshan of Lord
Dakshinamoorthy at Arulmighu Thayumanaswamy
Temple, Rockfort, Trichy. In memory of Him, and his
Spiritual works in Tamil, Thayumanavar Vizha was
celebrated on 2nd February 2005 at Arulmighu
Thayumanaswamy Temple, Rockfort, Trichy. It has
been instructed to celebrate this festival every year in
a grand manner.
THALAVARALARU AND THALAPURANAM

“Thalavaralaru” and “Thalapuranam” books are

published at all temples for the public to know the
history, special features, glories, historical importance,
stone inscriptions and mythology of each temple. For
such temples that do not have significant history or
purana, special folders and brochures are published.
Thalapuranams of 743 temples have been published
in the year 2004-2005.
 43

PILGRIMS' GUIDE
Enabling the tourists and pilgrims, to know
much details about the temples in important regions
and towns, pilgrims guides have been published
containing essential details of various temples located
in and around the following towns:
1) Kancheepuram
2) Kumbakonam
3) Thanjavur
4) Trichy
5) Pudukkottai
6) Karur
7) Perambalur
8) Madurai
9) Dindigul
10) Theni
11) Coimbatore - The Nilgiris
12) Salem
13) Namakkal
14) Dharmapuri - Krishnagiri
15) Thirunelveli
 44

16) Kanyakumari
17) Tuticorin
18) Sivagangai
19) Ramanathapuram

PUBLICATION OF AGAMA AND OTHER BOOKS IN

TAMIL
Steps have been taken to translate the
important Scriptures on Agama & Silpa Sastra in Tamil
to enable the public to know more on these works. In
the first phase, The book “Uthrakamiga Agama” was
translated and published inTamil, which are again
reprinted last year.
Next, "Aalaya Nirmana Bimbalakshna" a book
on Silpa Sastra was translated and published.
Again the book "Kumara Thanthiram" was
translated and published.
Likewise, rare books such as "Indhu Madha
Inaippu Vilakkam", "Saivamum Vainavamum" were
republished enabling people to know more about
Hinduism, Saivam & Vaishnavam.
 45

PUBLICATION OF “THIRUKOIL” MAGAZINE

The Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Administration Department publish a
monthly magazine in the name of "Thirukoil" since
1958. There is an exclusive Editor for this magazine.
Due to the special steps taken, this monthly magazine
of this department comes out from May 2004 onwards
in a more attractive and colourful design and content.
Thanks to the sincere and collective efforts of the
officers as a team, more copies of the magazine are
published, containing valuable articles and
informations from eminent scholars. The November
2004 issue was published in 30,000 copies as the
Deepavali Special Edition. This magazine has
received wide publicity and an overwhelming
response from the readers, and has also been
reviewed by weeklies and dailies. Its circulation has
become widespread that copies are available in all
bookstalls, and thus its contents reach the readers of
all walks of life.
 46

SPECIAL WEBSITE OF THIS DEPARTMENT

www.tntemple.org

The functioning and programs of the welfare

schemes of this department and the basic
informations of major temples have been put forth
through the website - www.tntemple.org . A special
scheme named "E-pooja" enables anybody from any
part of the world - irrespective of time and distance - to
book poojas for the temples on the dates of their
choice.
This website of the department is also providing
links to those temples' unique websites where
informations such as the history, purana, programs
and pictures of the deities of the respective temples
have been furnished in colourful and attractive
multimedia. The Website address and E-mail
addresses of various important temples are furnished
in the above website.

RECOGNITION OF CHARTERED ENGINEERS

Considering the delay experienced in the

preparation of estimates for Temple Thiruppani works,
 47

retired Engineers from Highways and Public Works

Department are recognized and approved as
Chartered Engineers. They prepare estimates as and
when required by the temples. So far, 86 retired
Engineers have been approved and appointed as
Chartered Engineers.
APPOINTMENT OF STHAPATHIS
To ensure that the structural designs and
estimates of Temple renovation work conform to the
standards of Agamic principles, the Government has
appointed a Sthapathi in the rank of a Superintending
Engineer. 5 Sthapathis were appointed in each 5
regions, for the specific purpose of preparing designs,
drawings as per Silpa Sastra, and to scrutinize the
estimates accordingly. Each Sthapathi is paid a
monthly-consolidated payment of Rs.4000/- which is
disbursed from the surplus funds of affluent temples.
RECOGNITION OF STHAPATHIS
Sthapathis who have a hereditary lineage in
this profession, and people who possess Diploma or
Degree in Silpa Sastra, are approved by this
 48

department to ensure that Thiruppani works in

temples are carried out as per Agama Sastras.

SPECIAL WORSHIP AND COMMON FEAST

Special worship and common feasts are
organized every year in affluent temples on
Independence Day and Perarignar Anna’s
Anniversary day. Public from all communities
participate on such occasions without any social
discrimination. During the year 2004-2005, special
worship and common feast has been organized in 324
temples.
REFRESHER COURSE
To enable the Archakas, Battacharyas and
Odhuvars working in Temples to perform their duties
effectively “Refresher Course” is conducted since
1991. It has been decided to revive and revitalize this
scheme so as to remove the slackness noticed in the
implementation of the scheme in the recent past. This
Course is to be conducted at important temples in
each Assistant Commissioner Division. During the
year 2002-2003, the Refresher Courses were
 49

conducted as 3 months' course in 54 temples in

various districts of the State, and during 2003-2004 in
23 temples. The total number of beneficiaries under
this program is 488 persons. Soon this Refresher
course will be conducted in Chennai, Mayiladuthurai,
Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Thirunelveli regions.

APPOINTMENT OF NADHASWARA MUSICIANS IN

TEMPLES
There has been a decreasing trend of playing
Nagaswara Isai during daily poojas and festivals in the
ancient and historically famous temples sanctified by
saints. Action has been taken to appoint musicians
qualified in Nagaswaram, Thavil and Thala and to pay
them Rs.1500/- Rs.1000/- and Rs.750/- respectively.
This amount is disbursed from the interest of the
corpus of Rs. 1 crore created for this purpose by this
department. 6 nadhaswaram, 4 thavil and 1 thalam,
totally 11 musicians are benefited under this scheme.
APPOINTMENT OF TAMIL PULAVARS
150 Tamil Pulavars have been appointed in
affluent temples for reciting Thirumurai and
 50

Divyaprabhandhams, chanting hymns, rendering

religious discourses, and to propagate religious
messages helping to publish ‘Thala Varalaru’ and
‘Thala Puranam’ and to maintain libraries. They were
paid a consolidated salary of Rs.1500/- per month
from the funds of the concerned temples. During
2002, this amount was raised by 30% with effect from
1.7.1999 and they are paid Rs.1,950/-
TEMPLE EMPLOYEES
In all the Hindu Religious and Charitable
Institutions in Tamil Nadu, 37819 regular employees
are working in different categories and are paid in
cash or kind. Out of the total strength, 4751 regular
employees are working in the financially sound
institutions managed by the Executive Officers in the
cadre of Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners
and Assistant Commissioners.
Following welfare schemes have been
implemented for temple servants:

1. Contributory Provident Fund

2. Family Benefit Fund
 51

3. Special Provident Fund

4. Temple Servants Benefit Scheme
5. Pension Scheme (Archagar, Oduvar, Isai
Kalaignars and Vedaparayanas only)
6. Payment of ex-gratia
7. Marriage advance
8. Vehicle Advance
9. Medical Allowance
10. Washing Allowance
11.Festival Advance
12.Leave Concessions
13.House Rent Allowance
14. Special Pay for Typist
15. 30% increase of pay to consolidated paid servants
from 1.7.1997.
16. City Compensatory Allowance
17. Selection Grade and Special Grade
18. Compassionate appointment
19. Dearness Allowance @ 4% from 1.7.2004, 2%
from 1.1.2005 sanctioned additionally,
 52

FAMILY BENEFIT FUND SCHEME

This Scheme was introduced with a view to
help the families of the Temple Employees who
happen to pass away while in Service. Under this
Scheme a financial assistance of Rs. 75,000/- is
given to the Legal heirs of the deceased Employees.
For this scheme, a corpus of Rs. 5 crores has been
created by diversion of surplus fund from affluent
temples. This scheme is implemented out of the
interest accrued on that corpus deposit. During the
year 2004-2005 a sum of Rs.57.80 lakhs was
disbursed to total 90 families.
SPECIAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME
Special Provident Fund Scheme was created
for the Employees who are working in Temples which
have an annual income of Rs.1 lakh and above. For
this scheme, a fixed deposit of Rs.8 lakhs has been
created from the surplus fund of the temples. Under
this scheme, the contribution paid by the member-
employee with the accrued interest thereon is
disbursed to him at the time of his retirement, through
the temple and in addition a sum of Rs.1000/- is also
 53

disbursed to him from the department. During

2004-2005, a sum of Rs.20,000/- was disbursed to 20
employees.
TEMPLE SERVANTS BENEFIT SCHEME
Temple Servants Benefit Scheme was created
to settle the salary arrears, if any, of temple
employees, whose monthly salary is less than
Rs.400/- and the annual income of the temple is less
than Rs.40,000/- A Corpus Fund of Rs.1 crore was
created from the surplus fund of Arulmighu
Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani. This
scheme is implemented with the interest accrued on
this Corpus Fund. Salary arrears to the tune of
Rs.54,12,770/- was disbursed for the period 1.7.2001
to 31.12.2003. A sum of Rs.18,21,647/- has been
disbursed to 718 employees working in 488 Temples
during the year 2004-05.
Due to the decline in the bank interest rates,
and also the increase in salary arrears during the last
five years, the Corpus Fund was raised from
Rs.1 crore to Rs.5 crores by diversion of surplus funds
of affluent temples, as per Government order.
 54

PENSION SCHEMES
A sum of Rs. 500/- per month is given from the
Government fund to the “Odhuvars”, “Archakas”,
“Vedhaparayanar”, “Divyaprapandam Paduvore”,
“Araiyars” and “Isai Kalaingnar”. who have served for
20 years in temples and retired on superannuation at
the age of 60 as detailed below:-

No. of
persons No. of
Sl. Pensioner allotted by benefi-
No. the Govern ciaries
ment
1 Odhuvar 125 83
2 Vedham / Prabantham 59 25
/ Araiyar
3 Musicians (Isai 125 84
Kalaignars)
4 Archakar (Saivaites & 691 530
Vaishnavaites)
Total 1000 722

VILLAGE TEMPLE POOJARIES PENSION SCHEME

The Government have issued orders for the
grant of pension to Poosaries at the rate of Rs. 500/-
per month each for those who have retired at the age
 55

of 60 on superannuation after working for a period of

not less than 20 years in Temples which do not come
under the administrative control of Hindu Religious
and Charitable Endowments Department in
Tamil Nadu. 2632 poosaries are benefited by this
scheme.
APPOINTMENT ON COMPASSIONATE GROUND
The system of appointment on compassionate
ground was introduced with a view to help the legal
heirs of temple employees who happened to die while
in service. Under this scheme, in the year 2004-2005,
19 legal heirs have been given appointment.
PART II SCHEME
Funds have been sanctioned to carry out the
following works under Part II Scheme during the year
2005-2006:
Amount
Sl. allotted
Scheme
No. Rs. in
lakhs
1 Purchase of computers with accessories 13.75
to Office of the Joint Commissioner,
Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, and 22
Assistant Commissioners' office
 56

2 Purchase of xerox machine to Office of 03.63

Joint Commissioner, Mayiladuthurai,
Trichy, and Office of the Assistant
Commissioner, Cuddalore,
Kumbakonam, Villupuram and Trichy
3 Purchase of fax machine to Office of 0.72
Joint Commissioner, Mayiladuthurai,
Trichy, and Office of the Assistant
Commissioner, Cuddalore,
Kumbakonam, Villupuram and Erode
4 Purchase of Franking machine to Office 2.64
of the joint Commissioner,
Mayiladuthurai, and Office of Assistant
Commissioner, Cuddalore,
Kumbakonam, and Villupuram
5 Construction of Office of the Joint 24.00
Commissioner, Thanjavur
6 Purchase of furniture to the Office of the 0.24
Joint Commissioner, Mayiladuthurai and
other subordinate offices
Total 44.98

CONCLUSION

Fresh awareness and special interest have

been created among the public regarding the
maintenance and renovation of temples. Our temples
are not just the places of worship, but also exist on
monuments of our rich cultural heritage and hoarified.
An excellent and conducive atmosphere to rejuvenate
 57

the management of the temples has now been

created under the sincere leadership of our Hon'ble
Chief Minister. It is our primary responsibility to
regulate and maintain the administration of the
religious institutions for the sake of the future
generation. The Officers and the employees of the
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
Administration Department have resolved to dedicate
themselves with their selfless, honest and efficient
service, to uphold the glory, divinity, and sanctity of
the religious institutions and their maintenance by
adopting the verse of “Thirukkural” viz.

P.C.RAMASAMY
MINISTER FOR HINDU RELIGIOUS
AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS
DEPARTMENT.