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Tamil Nadu to renovate 64 temples over 1,000 years old
Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments S. Ramesh announced on Friday that 64 temples with a history of over 1,000 years will be renovated at a cost of Rs…
Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments S. Ramesh announced on Friday that 64 temples with a history of over 1,000 years will be renovated at a cost of Rs 125 crore. For five of these temples, donor funds of Rs 7 crore will be used.
Additionally, 75 fully dilapidated temples will be renovated for Rs 50 crore, 75 partly dilapidated temples for Rs 35 crore, and 152 other temples for Rs 35 crore. Resting halls will be built at three temples: Samayapuram Mariamman temple (Rs 3 crore), Arulmigur Mariamman temple in Sattur (Rs 2 crore), and Arulmigu Bagavathy Amman temple in Kanniyakumari (Rs 1 crore). Pongal mandapams will be constructed at three other temples at a cost of Rs 1 crore each.
The minister also announced music and cultural programs to celebrate Thevaram songs at Arulmigu Agneeswarar temple, and festivals honouring Saint Pattinathar, Aalwars, Siddhars, and folk deities across Tamil Nadu.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This is a major infrastructure push for Tamil Nadu's temple network, which the HR&CE department oversees. The state has over 44,000 temples, but many smaller and older ones have been neglected. The focus on folk deities and ancient saints like Appar Swamigal signals an effort to broaden the cultural appeal beyond the major temple towns. The Rs 125 crore for the 64 oldest temples averages nearly Rs 2 crore per temple, which suggests structural repairs rather than full-scale gopuram reconstructions. Watch for tenders to be issued in the next financial year.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
