Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information Department
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
Demand No.47
Policy Note
2012-2013
Index
Page S. No. Subject No. 1 Introduction 1
2 Administration 3
3 Hindu Religious Institutions 4
4 Classification Of The Hindu Religious 4 Institutions
5 Administrative Structure 5
6 Regional And District Administration 8
7 Inspectors 12 ii
Page S. No. Subject No. 8 Personal Assistants 12
9 Verification Officers 13
10 Audit Officers 13
11 Senior Accounts Officers 13
12 Engineers 14
13 Executive Officers 16
14 The Administration Of Mutts 17
15 High Level Advisory Committee 17
16 Appointment Of Trustees 18
17 Jurisdiction 19
18 Appointment Of Fit Person 21
19 Land Administration 21
20 Fixation Of Fair Rent 22
21 Revenue Courts 23
22 Retrieval Of Lands 24
23 Removal Of Encroachments 25 iii
Page S. No. Subject No. 24 Regularizing The Group 25 Encroachments
25 Annadhana Scheme 26
26 Spiritual And Moral Classes 28
27 Special Poojas And Common Feasts 28
28 Elephant Rejuvenation Camps 29
29 Marriage Scheme For Poor And 30 Downtrodden
30 Cable Cars 31
31 Battery Cars 32
32 Thiruppani 33
33 Donation 34
34 Temple Funds 35
35 Diversion Of Funds 35
36 Government Grant 35
37 Common Good Fund 36
38 Temple Development Fund 36 iv
Page S. No. Subject No. 39 Village Temples Renovation Fund 37
40 Temple Renovation And Charitable 37 Fund
41 Donor Works 38
42 Renovation For The Temples In The 38 Habitations Of Adi Dravida And Tribal Community
43 Finance Commission Fund 39
44 Tourism Fund 39
45 Uzhavarapani 40
46 Consecration Of Temples 41
47 Renovation Of Temple Tanks And 42 Rain Water Harvesting
48 Revival Of Kaala Poojas In Ancient 43 Temples
49 Oru Kaala Pooja Scheme 43
50 Maintanence Of Temple Cars 45 v
Page S. No. Subject No. 51 Temple With Golden Cars And Silver 46 Cars
52 Basic Amenities 54
53 Temple Cleanliness 55
54 Distribution Of Sarees & Dhotis 55
55 Safety of Icon And Valuables 56
56 Temple Protection Force 58
57 Karunai Illangal 59
58 Educational Institutions 62
59 Social Welfare Institutions 69
60 Basic Amenities For Schools And 71 Colleges
61 Kosalas 71
62 Temples And Tamil 72
63 Festivals Of Saints And Savants 72
64 Chithirai Thirunal – Tamil New Year 76 Day vi
Page S. No. Subject No. 65 Thalavaralaru And Thalapuranam 77
66 Pilgrim Guides 77
67 Thirukoil Monthly 78
68 Publishing Agama Books And Other 78 Books In Tamil
69 Chartered Engineers 79
70 Sthapathis 79
71 Refresher Training Course 80
72 Training On Human Values 80
73 Appointment Of Musicians 80
74 Welfare Schemes For The Temple 81 Employees
75 Educational Aids For The Children Of 89 Temple Employees
76 Village Poosaris Welfare Board 89
77 Conclusion 90
78 Annexure - Part II Scheme 94
Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information Department
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
Demand No.47
Policy Note
2012-2013
Introduction
“ÏiwfnshL Ïirªj Ï‹g« Ï‹g¤njhL Ïirªj thœÎ”
“Felicity combined with A divine life is a bliss”
Thus spake the great Saint Sundara Moorthy Nayanar describing the indispensable role of temples in the life of Tamils. The temples in Tamilnadu are the Holy Shrines for the countless devotees and tourists far and wide in India and abroad. They are instrumental in creating order in 2 the society guiding unity among the public, besides being an encyclopedia for morals in life. They are also historical monuments propagating art, culture and civilization of the Tamils.
2. Our Government headed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is showing keen interest in maintaining, protecting and preserving ancient socio religious cultural centres of Tamil Nadu.
3. Tamil Nadu has innumerable Shaivite Temples, Vaishnavite Temples, abodes of Lord Muruga, popular Amman temples, Village temples etc. most of the temple properties have been endowed by the benevolent people at all levels from Kings to common men. The bounden duty and responsibility of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department lies in protecting and preserving the movable and immovable properties belonging to the temples. 3
Administration
4. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act was enacted in the year 1959 realizing the fact that the administrative governance of Hindu Religious Endowments are to be monitored by the Government after carrying out the required modifications by examining the various enactments between the year 1928 and 1956.
5. This Act prescribes the rights and duties of the Commissioner and other subordinate officers of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. It also states various means for improving the administration of the Hindu Religious Institutions. This Act further empowers the Government to extend the provisions for the Jain Religious Institutions and Endowments.
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Hindu Religious Institutions
6. There are 38,491 Hindu Religious and Jain Religious Institutions under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The details are as follows:
Institutions Numbers Temples 36,451 Holy Mutts 56 Temples attached to Holy Mutts 57 Specific Endowments 1,721 Charitable Endowments 189 Jain temples 17 Total 38,491
Classification Of The Hindu Religious Institutions
7. The Hindu Religious Institutions have been classified as listed and non-listed institutions based on the annual income. The details are as follows: 5
Annual Classification Number Income
Non listed having an 34,265 Institutions annual income U nder Section of less than 49(1) Rs.10,000/-
Listed having an 3,563 Institutions annual income Under Section of Rs.10,000/- 46(i) and less than Rs.2 lakhs.
Under Section having an 464 46(ii) annual income of Rs. 2 lakhs and less than Rs. 10 lakhs.
Under Section having an 199 46(iii) annual income of Rs.10 lakhs and above. Total 38,491
Administrative Structure
8. The Commissioner in the cadre of Indian Administrative Service, functions as the 6 responsible administrative head of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to maintain, protect and monitor the administration of the Hindu Religious Institutions according to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act,1959 (Amended Act 39/1996).
9. In order to assist the Commissioner, in the activities such as general administration, establishment and management of movable and immovable properties of these institutions etc., the following officers are serving in the headquarters:
Post Number Additional Commissioner (General) 1 Additional Commissioner (Enquiry) 1 Joint Commissioner (Head 1 Quarters) Joint Commissioner (Thiruppani) 1 Deputy Commissioner (Legal Cell) 1 Deputy Commissioner (Educational 1 and Charitable Institutions)
Assistant Commissioner (Legal 1 cell) 7
Assistant Commissioner 1 (verification)
Assistant Commissioner (Village 1 Temple Poosarigal Welfare Board)
The list of officers serving in the headquarters from other departments are as below:
Post Number Department Special Officers 2 Revenue (Temple Lands) Department (District Revenue Officer cadre) Superintending 1 Public Works Engineer Department Executive 1 Public Works Engineer Department Assistant 1 Public Works Divisional Department Engineer Assistant Engineer 2 Public Works Department Assistant Engineer 1 Electricity (Electrical) Department Senior Drafting 1 Public Works Officer Department Junior Draftsman 2 Public Works Department Draftsman 2 Public Works Department 8
Senior Accounts 1 Treasury Officer Department Assistant Accounts 1 Treasury Officer Department Chief Audit Officer 1 Finance (Deputy Secretary Department cadre)
Regional And District Administration
10. The administration of this Department has been divided into 11 regions and 28 divisions. Each region is administered by a Joint Commissioner and each division is administered by an Assistant Commissioner. The details are as follows:
Jurisdiction of Officers
Region Division Jurisdiction
Joint 1. Assistant Chennai Commissioner Commissioner District Chennai Chennai Joint 2. Assistant Thiruvallur Commissioner Commissioner District Vellore Thiruvallur 9
Region Division Jurisdiction
3. Assistant Kancheepuram Commissioner District Kancheepuram 4. Assistant Vellore District Commissioner Vellore Joint 5. Assistant Dharmapuri Commissioner Commissioner and Krishnagiri Salem. Dharmapuri Districts
6. Assistant Salem District Commissioner Salem
7. Assistant Namakkal Commissioner District Namakkal Joint 8. Assistant Coimbatore Commissioner Commissioner and Nilgiris Coimbatore Coimbatore Districts
9. Assistant Erode District Commissioner Erode
10. Assistant Tiruppur Commissioner District Tiruppur
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Region Division Jurisdiction
Joint 11. Assistant Thanjavur Commissioner Commissioner District Thanjavur Thanjavur (Except Thiruvidaimaru thur and Kumbakonam Taluks
12. Assistant Nagapattinam Commissioner District Nagapattinam (Except Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai and Tharangam- badi Taluks) 13. Assistant Thiruvarur Commissioner District Thiruvarur Joint 14. Assistant Thiruvidaimaru Commissioner Commissioner thur, Mayiladuthurai Kumbakonam Kumbakonam
Taluks in Thanjavur District and Mayiladuthurai Sirkali and Tharangambadi Taluks in Nagapattinam District
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Region Division Jurisdiction 15.Assistant Cuddalore Joint Commissioner District Commissioner Cuddalore Villupuram 16. Assistant Villupuram Commissioner District Villupuram
17. Assistant Thiruvanna- Commissioner malai District Thiruvanna - malai
Joint 18. Assistant Tiruchirappalli Commissioner Commissioner District Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli
19. Assistant Perambalur Commissioner and Ariyalur Ariyalur Districts
20. Assistant Pudukottai Commissioner District Pudukottai
21. Assistant Karur District Commissioner Karur
Joint 22. Assistant Madurai District Commissioner Commissioner Madurai Madurai
23. Assistant Dindigul and Commissioner Theni Districts Dindigul
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Region Division Jurisdiction Joint 24. Assistant Virudhunagar Commissioner Commissioner District Sivagangai Virudhunagar 25. Assistant Sivagangai Commissioner and Paramakudi Ramanatha- puram Districts Joint 26. Assistant Tirunelveli Commissioner Commissioner District Tirunelveli Tirunelveli 27. Assistant Thoothukudi Commissioner District Thoothukudi 28. Assistant Kanniyakumari Commissioner District Nagercoil
Inspectors 11. The Assistant Commissioners in the divisions and Joint Commissioners in the regions of this department are assisted by 224 Taluk level Inspectors.
Personal Assistants 12. The Executive Officers in the cadre of Joint Commissioner working in temples at Palani, 13
Thiruchendur, Madurai, Srirangam, Rameswaram, Thiruthani are assisted by Personal Assistants in the cadre of the Assistant Commissioner.
Verification Officers 13. To appraise the Jewels and other valuable articles of the temples, there are 6 Verification Officers in the cadre of Deputy Commissioner in 6 Joint Commissioner’s Regions and 4 Verification Officers in the cadre of Assistant Commissioner in 5 Joint Commissioner’s regions.
Audit Officers 14. There is a Chief Audit Officer in charge for auditing the accounts of religious institutions. To assist the Chief Audit Officer, 2 Deputy Chief Audit Officers, 19 Regional Audit Officers and 28 Assistant Audit Officers are deployed.
Senior Accounts Officers
15. The Executive Officers in the cadre of Joint Commissioner in 8 temples are assisted by 8 14
Senior Accounts Officers in the cadre of Regional Audit Officer.
Engineers
16. The following engineers and drafting officers working in the department are preparing estimates for carrying out temple renovations, constructions, supervision of works and record measurement.
Post Number
Superintending Engineer 1 Executive Engineer 1 Assistant Divisional Engineer 1 Assistant Engineer 2 Assistant Engineer (Electrical) 1 Senior Drafting Officer 1 Junior Drafting Officer 2 Draftsman 2 15
17. At every Joint Commissioner’s Office, there is an Assistant Divisional Engineer and a Junior Draftsman (Except Villupuram Region). The 24 Assistant Commissioner’s Offices are having 24 Assistant Engineers. There are 3 Executive Engineers, each working in the Regional Joint Commissioner’s Offices at Trichy, Salem and Madurai. There is an Electrical Engineer in each of these regions.
18. The temples at Palani, Samayapuram, Madurai, Thiruttani, Bannari, Marudamalai, Swamimalai and Azhagarkoil are having engineers of their own to carry out renovation.
19. In order to carry out the Thiruppani works at Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Salem Joint Commissioner’s region, there are 4 Senior Draftsmen posts in Thiruttani Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Madurai Arulmigu Meenakshisundareswarar Temple and Thiruchengodu Arulmigu Arthanareeswarar Temple. Similarly, 16 there are 4 Draftsmen posts in the temples of Sholingur, Trichy Malaikottai, Azhagarkoil and Namakkal to work in the above said regions.
Executive Officers 20. Based on the significance, revenue, assets and other festivities of the temple, the following grades of Executive Officers in temples have been created:
Executive Officers’ Grade Posts
Joint Commissioner 10
Deputy Commissioner 10
Assistant Commissioner 27
Executive Officer-Grade I 66
Executive Officer-Grade II 112
Executive Officer-Grade III 250
Executive Officer-Grade IV 154
Total 629
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The Administration Of Mutts
21. There are 56 Holy Mutts under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. In order to monitor the administration of these Holy Mutts, an Audit section consisting of a Regional Audit Officer, 2 Superintendents, 2 Inspectors, 2 Audit Inspectors and 2 Assistants is functioning in the head quarters.
High Level Advisory Committee
22. Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act, 1959 has provisions to render advice to the Government on the subjects related to Hindu Religious Institutions. Accordingly, the High Level Advisory Committee headed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, Hon’ble Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments as the Vice Chairman, the Secretary to Government, Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and 18
Information Department as Official Member and Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department as the Official Member - Secretary will function together with 9 non official members.
Appointment Of Trustees
23 . For administering Hindu Religious Institutions under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, Non-Hereditary Trustees are appointed to each temple that has Non-Hereditary administration. Accordingly the Board of Trustees should consist of not less than 3 persons and not more than 5 persons. This Board should consist of members among whom one shall be from Adi Dravida or Scheduled Tribe and one shall be a woman. The period of this Trust Board is two years.
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Jurisdiction
Government
24. 5 Non-Hereditary Trustees for the Hindu Religious Institutions falling under listed category having an annual income of Rs.10 lakhs and above under section 46(iii) of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, are appointed directly by the Government.
Commissioner
25. 3 Non-Hereditary Trustees for the Hindu Religious Institutions under listed category having an annual income of not less than Rs.2 lakhs but less than Rs.10 lakhs under section 46(ii) of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, are appointed by the Commissioner.
Joint Commissioner
26. 3 Non-Hereditary Trustees for the Hindu Religious Institutions under listed category 20 having an annual income of not less than Rs.10,000 but less than Rs.2 lakhs under section 46(i) of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, are appointed by the Joint Commissioner.
Assistant Commissioner
27. 3 Non-Hereditary Trustees for the Hindu Religious Institutions of the non listed category, having an annual income less than Rs.10,000 under section 49(1) of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, are appointed by the Assistant Commissioner.
28. For those Religious Institutions where Non-Hereditary Trustees are appointed by Commissioner, Joint Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, if necessary, two Non-Hereditary Trustees will be appointed directly by the Government.
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Appointment Of Fit Person
29. After completion of the period of the Trust Board, in order to perform the functions of the Board of Trustees, a qualified person will be appointed as a Fit Person as an interim arrangement till the appointment of Board of Trustees.
Land Administration
30. Hindu Religious Institutions have a total extent of 4,78,462.46 acres of land. The details are as below:
Classification Temple Mutt Total Lands Lands (in Acres) (in Acres) (in Acres) Wet 1,83,669.29 21,282.05 2,04,951.34 Dry 2,18,226.24 34,538.88 2,52,765.12 Maanavari 20,746.00 Nil 20,746.00
Total 4,22,641.53 55,820.93 4,78,462.46
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31. Buildings in 22,599 sites and vacant sites in 33,627 places owned by Hindu Religious Institutions are leased out. Further, the agriculture lands are leased out to 1,23,729 tenants.
32. Approximately Rs.65.41 crores income is obtained from the above said immovable properties owned by Hindu Religious Institutions.
Fixation Of Fair Rent
33. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act,1959 provides for fixation of fair rent to the buildings and sites belonging to temples. Accordingly, a committee consisting of the Regional Joint Commissioner, Executive Officer/Trustee/Chairman Board of Trustees and the District Registrar of Registration Department is formed to fix fair rent for the buildings and sites used for commercial and residential purposes.
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Revenue Courts
34. Revenue courts are functioning with Special Deputy Collectors in order to file cases regarding collection of arrears of land lease revenue, fixation of fair rent to the agricultural lands and eviction of the lessees. The details are as below:
Revenue Courts Camping Revenue Courts Thanjavur Mannargudi Tiruchirappalli Kumbakonam Mayiladuthurai Salem Thiruvarur Thenkasi Cuddalore Madurai
35. During 2011-2012, Rs.148.62 lakhs of lease arrears have been ordered for collection in 891 cases out of 11644 pending cases. Necessary steps are being taken for collecting the entire lease arrears. 24
Retrieval Of Lands
36. During the implementation of Updating Registry Scheme (UDR Scheme), the pattas of temple lands were wrongly transferred in the name of private individuals. To rectify this, two District Revenue Officers were posted as Special Officers at Madurai and Coimbatore.
37. Pattas of 468.87 acres of temple lands belonging to 107 temples wrongly transferred in the names of private persons, was restored in the names of temples.
38. Similarly, in computerised Chitta, the registration of temple lands were changed and entered in the name of private persons. During 2011-2012, Pattas of 167.48 acres of lands belonging to 8 temples were restored.
39. As stated above, steps are being taken statewide to find out and restore temple land whose pattas are wrongfully issued to private individual and wrongfully registered in computer chitta. 25
Removal Of Encroachments
40. Encroachments of temple lands to the extent of 119.71 acres of land, 17 grounds 474 sq.ft of sites and 12 grounds 333 sq.ft of buildings were cleared and brought back to the possession of temples.
Regularizing The Group Encroachments
41. Steps were taken to regularize the persons who have encroached temple lands in groups and living there for more than 30 years as tenants subject to the following conditions:
i. The land must have been utilized over 30 years for residential purpose only.
ii. The fair rent fixed as per relevant Government Order should be agreed.
iii. The fair rent has to be given effect from 01.07.1998
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iv. The rent due must be remitted in equal installments in a period of 12 months
v. 10 months rent has to be paid as donation 42. During 2011-2012, 855 encroachers were regularized as tenants who had occupied 15.92 acres of land. No objection certificates were issued to them to avail facilities such as drinking water and electricity.
Annadhana Scheme
43. """ Those who give food give life also" “c©o bfhL¤njh® cæ® bfhL¤njhnu” – kânkfiy¡ fh¥Ãa«
The novel scheme of Annadhanam was inaugurated on 23 rd March 2002 at Mylapore Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
27
44. This noble Scheme of providing Annadhanam was implemented in 360 temples during the previous regime of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. During 2006-2011, this scheme was extended only for 2 temples.
45. During 2011-12, this laudable scheme was extended further to 106 temples. Besides, this scheme was revitalized through some correctional measures to improve the quality of food and service. Now, this scheme is being implemented in 468 temples to the appreciation of scholars and masses. Every day 31,575 devotees are benefitted and Rs.6.32 lakhs is being spent.
46. As ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, this scheme will be extended to 50 more temples during the current financial year considering the inflow of devotees and the requirement.
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Spiritual And Moral Classes 47. As desired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, spiritual and moral classes will be conducted on all Saturdays in all important temples to make our children imbibe the high moral and ethical values enshrined in our ancient literature through stories which embody our cultural heritage and tradition. These children will be provided with snacks during such classes and awards will be distributed to the best children.
Special Poojas And Common Feasts
48. Every year, Special poojas and Common feasts are being conducted in temples on Independence day and Perarignar Anna Memorial Day inviting participation of the people from various communities without discrimination. During 2011-2012, Special poojas and Common feasts were conducted in 740 temples.
29
Elephant Rejuvenation Camps
49. As ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, Special Rejuvenation Camps for Elephants were organized during 2003, 2004 and 2005 for the elephants maintained by the individuals and temples in an environment conducive to elephants. This camp given up during the past years was restored and conducted on 14.12.2011 for 48 days at Mudumalai Theppakkadu. 37 Temple Elephants participated and underwent rejuvenation in the camp. The 9 elephants which were unable to participate in this camp were also given the same nutritious food and medicines as supplied in the camp for better physical and mental health. In this camp, training was given not only for elephants but also for the mahouts who were taught on safety and maintenance of elephants to keep them healthy. The Government sanctioned a grant of Rs.45 lakhs for this camp.
30
50. In tune with the sublime concept of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, reflected in the lines “Like human beings all other living beings also deserve the same mercy and kindness” , the elephant camp was well organised in a cool and natural environment suitable for the elephants.
Marriage Scheme For The Poor And Downtrodden
51. This noble scheme of marriages for the poor and downtrodden belonging to Hindu religion was first launched in 1981 by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivar MGR. People belonging to Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes, Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes benefited under this Scheme. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma performed the marriages of 1008 couples in 2002 and 1053 couples in 2003 at Thiruverkadu. Further, marriages were also conducted for 489 31 couples in a few temples. This noble Scheme was given up during the previous regime. Now as ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, steps are being taken to conduct marriages for 1006 couples in a fitting manner by providing 4 grams of Gold for Thirumangalyam and wedding gifts worth Rs.10,000 each.
Cable Cars 52. As ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, the Cable Car was first introduced at an estimate of Rs.4 Crores in Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple for the benefit of the devotees on November 3 rd 2004. Following the appreciation received from the devotees for this cable car facility, it has been decided to provide one more cable car for Palani and a new cable car for Sholingar Arulmigu Lakshimi Narasimha Swamy Temple. The cable car is proposed to be introduced on international standard at Palani. 32
Battery Cars
53. The Honourable Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma donated a 6 seater Battery Car on June 19 th 2011 at Srirangam Arulmigu Aranganathaswamy Temple for the benefit of the differently abled and elders. Further, battery cars have been introduced in the following 8 temples:
• Srirangam Arulmigu Aranganathaswamy Temple • Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple • Tiruchendur Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple • Tiruttani Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple • Tiruvarur Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Temple • Tiruvannamalai Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple • Tiruvotriyur Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Temple • Tiruvannaikaval Arulmigu Agilandeswari Sametha Jambukeswarar Temple
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Thiruppani
54. “ÂU¡nfhæš bghU¤j X®X®X® br§fš ÏLthÏLth®® cyfhŸth®”
“Whosoever lays a brick for temple construction Will rule the world”
As per this proverbial saying, the most important task for this government is to renovate the historical, ancient temples, holy shrines glorified by the hymns of the Alwars and Nayanmars, village temples and temples located in the habitats of Adi Dravidar Communities.
55. Temple renovations are carried out based on the following financial sources:
• Public Donation • Own Funds of the Temples. • Diversion of Surplus Funds • Government Grant • Common Good Fund • Temple Development Fund • Village Temple Renovation Fund
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• Temple Renovation and Charitable Fund • Thiruppani by Donors themselves • Renovation Fund for Temples in the habitations of Adi Dravida/Tribal people
• Finance Commission Fund
56. Wherever a donor volunteers to take up the responsibility of renovating temples, financial assistance is also provided by the Department.
Donation
57. Renovations are carried out from the donations voluntarily contributed by industrialists, private institutions, wealthy persons, common public and persons having divine faith, spirituality and religious affinity. During 2011-2012, estimates for a value of Rs.13.49 crores were sanctioned to carry out 319 works.
35
Temple Funds
58. Affluent temples carry out Thiruppani from their own surplus funds. During 2011-2012, Rs.30.82 crores were allotted from the temple funds for renovation of 152 temples.
Diversion Of Funds
59. According to Section 36 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the temples requiring financial assistance for renovation receive funds from the surplus funds of the affluent temples by way of diversion. During 2011-2012, financial assistance of Rs.232.90 lakhs were sanctioned for 12 temples.
Government Grant
60. Every year, a Government Grant of Rs.3 crores is given for temple renovation. During 2011-2012, Government Grant of Rs.3 crores was sanctioned for 51 temples.
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Common Good Fund
61. Out of voluntary donations given by the individuals and the contributions made by the Hindu Religious Institutions, a separate fund was created namely “Common Good Fund” in the name of the Commissioner. During 2011-2012, Rs.11.34 crores have been sanctioned for renovation work in 187 temples and for installation of lightning arresters in 47 temples.
Temple Development Fund
62. A corpus fund of Rs.8 crores was created from the surplus funds of affluent temples for the development of temples. From the interest accruing from this corpus, financial assistance is rendered for the renovation of temples of ancient, historical significance. During the financial year of 2011-2012, Rs.30 lakhs were given to three temples under this scheme.
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Village Temples Renovation Fund
63. Small village temples under the control of the Department are provided with financial assistance for temple renovations under the “Village Temple Renovation Scheme” created for this purpose. A corpus of Rs.2 crores was created by diversion from the surplus funds of Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. From the interest of the corpus, financial assistance of Rs.25,000 per temple is being given.
Temple Renovation And Charitable Fund
64. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma created a corpus namely, “Chief Minister’s Temple Renovation and Maintenance Fund” on August 5 th of 1991. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma donated Rs.1,00,008/- towards this fund. Donations were received from philanthropists, industrialists and the general public. This fund is now called as “Temple 38
Renovation and Charitable Fund.” During 2011-2012, Rs.80.19 lakhs were disbursed for the renovation of 10 ancient temples.
Donor Works
65. It is in practice that donors voluntarily carry out the temple renovations from their own funds, under the supervision of the Department. During 2011-2012, 57 such renovation works were sanctioned at an estimate of Rs.13.51 crores. Renovation For The Temples In The Habitations Of Adi Dravida And Tribal Community
66. A financial assistance of Rs.25,000 per temple is provided for the renovation of temples in the habitations of Adi Dravida and Tribal Community with the assistance of funds received from the surplus funds of the affluent temples. The interest from the corpus is being utilized for this purpose. Since the amount is insufficient for executing the scheme, the financial assistance 39 was raised to Rs.50,000 and Rs.1.50 crores were given for the renovation of 300 temples, during 2011-12.
Finance Commission Fund
67. The Central Finance Commission is rendering financial assistance for renovating ancient temples without changing their heritage value. During 2011-2012, Rs.22.50 crores from the 13 th Finance Commission were sanctioned for the renovation of 94 temples without changing their heritage value.
Tourism Fund
68. The temples in Tamil Nadu are attracting the Tourists. For the welfare of the devotees and tourists visiting the temples, the temple administration and the Tourism Department jointly provide basic amenities such as toilets, bath rooms, drinking water, dormitories, 40 information centres, approach roads, high mast lamps, Cloak rooms, provision of lawns and parking facilities.
Uzhavarapani
69. The ancient temples in Tamil Nadu are proudly standing as the historical monuments having tall towers, beautiful domes, large corridors and huge walls. It is our bounden duty to preserve and protect them. The vegetations growing on these old constructions are heavily damaging them. During 2011-2012, the traditional method of cleansing the temple premises called “Uzhavarapani” once launched by savant Appar Adigal one of the Four Exponents of Saiva School was revived with a view to introduce the spirit of service. Through this programme, eradication of weeds and vegetations was carried out in 562 temples. Further, this programme is to be implemented in many more temples.
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Consecration Of Temples
70. According to Agamic principles, every temple has to be consecrated once in 12 years. On this basis, temples are classified into the following four categories for renovation and consecrations:
• Ancient Temples glorified by the hymns of Alwars and Nayanmars • Temples historically popular and having tourist significance • Temples popular for fulfilling the wishes and vows of the devotees • Small Temples located in the villages and in the habitations of Adi Dravida, Tribes and Backward classes
71. As ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, Kumbabishegam have been performed in 1006 temples during 2011-2012. It has been proposed to perform Kumbabishekam for 1006 temples in 42 this financial year too. This scheme will be executed every year with special concentration.
Renovation Of Temple Tanks And Rain Water Harvesting
72. There are 2359 temple tanks located in 1586 temples across the state. Out of them, 1068 tanks were identified for repairs and renovations. During 2011-2012, 364 temple tanks have been renovated. The remaining temple tanks will be repaired and renovated shortly.
73. The temple tanks will be protected as per this scheme by the following measures:
• Clearing the encroachments in and around the temple tanks • Putting up the compound wall around the tanks • Deepening and desilting the temple tanks • Re-laying the steps of the temple tanks • Providing facility for the inflow of rainwater into temple tanks 43
Revival Of Kaala Poojas In Ancient Temples 74. This scheme was evolved with a view to set right the setbacks in the performance of Kaala Poojas at temples that are glorified by the hymns of Alwars and Nayanmars. This scheme provides means and ways for performing Kaala Poojas at temples utilizing the surplus funds of the affluent temples. Under this scheme, 50 needy temples were receiving financial assistance from the funds of 19 affluent temples. This scheme was not in operation during the past regime. During 2011-2012, this noble scheme is revived for assisting 39 needy temples to conduct full-fledged kaala poojas by providing Rs.12.38 lakhs every year.
Oru Kaala Pooja Scheme 75. This scheme was launched in 1986 to perform Oru Kaala Pooja in temples which were not in a position to conduct even oru kala pooja. To enable the public to participate in this scheme, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi 44
Thalaivi Amma during 1993 issued an order that when the contribution of Rs.2,500 is received from the public, Rs.20,000 from the surplus funds of the affluent temples, Rs.1,300 from the temple renovation and charitable endowment funds and Rs.1,200 from the temple welfare fund will be contributed thus making a total of Rs.25,000 to be deposited as fixed deposit under this scheme. The interest accruing from the deposit is arranged to be utilized for the conducting Oru Kaala Pooja for the specified temples.
76. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma considering insufficient interest amount from the deposit of Rs.25,000, has ordered for the increase of the permanent deposit (corpus) to Rs.1,00,000 for every temple. This scheme has been carried out by an allotment of an ‘one time government grant’ of Rs.59.48 crores and by allotting Rs.30 crores diverted from the surplus funds of 41 affluent temples. 45
77. Consequently, the corpus created for every temple has since been raised from Rs.25,000 to Rs.1,00,000 ensuring the performance of Oru Kala Pooja every day in 11,931 temples without any break or setback. Further 493 temples are going to be additionally benefited under this scheme.
Maintenance Of Temple Cars 78. There are 989 wooden cars in 809 temples under the control of this Department. A corpus of Rs.11.17 crores was created for the renovation of temple cars from the surplus funds of affluent temples in February 2006. During 2011-2012, 21 cars have been repaired and renovated.
79. During 2011-2012, the barriers in the renovation of temple cars were removed by raising both the labour charges fixed for artisans and the cost of wood. As a result of this, the renovation of temple cars have been expedited and the remaining 282 cars will also be repaired soon. 46
80. In order to safeguard the temple cars, steps have been taken to provide roofs which are fire proof, provision of iron wheels and steel axles and to insure both the cars as well as the persons who are engaged in dragging the car.
81. To avoid untoward incidents during temple car festivals, guidelines for safety have been prepared and are being implemented.
Temple With Golden Cars And Silver Cars 82. It is a customary practice that the devotees visiting temples to pull the Golden or Silver Car mounted with the deity to fulfill their vows. At present there are 51 temples with Golden Cars and 39 temples with Silver Cars.
Temples with Golden Cars
1 Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani
2 Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple, Poonga Nagar, Chennai 47
3 Arulmigu Vadapalaniandavar Temple, Vadapalani 4 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Tiruttani 5 Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple, Tiruverkadu 6 Arulmigu Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai 7 Arulmigu Vaithyanathaswamy Temple, Vaitheeswarankoil 8 Arulmigu Vinayagar Temple, Echanari, Coimbatore 9 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram, Trichy 10 Arulmigu Meenakshisundareswarar Temple, Madurai 11 Arulmigu Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple, Sankarankoil 12 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur 13 Arulmigu Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri 14 Arulmigu Kamatchiamman Temple, Kancheepuram 15 Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple, Rathnagiri 48
16 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Sivanmalai 17 Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore 18 Arulmigu Kamakshiamman Temple, Mangadu 19 Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram 20 Arulmigu Madurakaliamman Temple, Siruvachur 21 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Maruthamalai 22 Arulmigu Bannarimariamman Temple, Bannari 23 Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 24 Arulmigu Maruntheeswarar Temple, Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai 25 Arulmigu Velayuthaswamy Temple, Thindalmalai, Erode 26 Arulmigu Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Adayar, Chennai 27 Arulmigu Karunellinathaswamy Temple, Tiruthangal, Sivakasi 28 Arulmigu Mundagakanniamman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai 29 Arulmigu Venkatachalapathi Swamy Temple, Uppiliappankoil, Kumbakonam 49
30 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Thiruparamkundram
31 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Karur
32 Arulmigu Dandumariamman Temple, Coimbatore
33 Arulmigu Chandrasudeswarar Temple, Hosur
34 Arulmigu Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswariamman Temple, Tiruvanaikaval, Trichy
35 Arulmigu Aanjaneya Swamy Temple, Namakkal
36 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Pachaimalai, Gopichettipalayam
37 Arulmigu Vettudaiyar Kaliamman Temple, Ariyakurchi.
38 Arulmigu Nellaiappar Gandhimathiamman Temple, Tirunelveli.
39 Arulmigu Kannudaiya Nayagiamman Temple, Nattarasankottai, Sivagangai
40 Arulmigu Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, Namakkal
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41 Arulmigu Vekkaliamman Temple, Woraiyur, Trichy
42 Arulmigu Sugavaneswarar Temple, Salem
43 Arulmigu Kottaimariamman Temple, Salem
44 Arulmigu Murugan temple, Solaimalai Mandapam (Alagarkoil), Madurai
45 Arulmigu Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sholinghur, Vellore
46 Arulmigu Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, Tiruvotriyur
47 Arulmigu Kottaimariamman Temple, Dindigul
48 Arulmigu Angalaparameswari Temple, Melmalaiyanur, Villupuram
49 Arulmigu Kondathukaliamman Temple, Pariyur, Erode
50 Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple, Tiruporur, Chenglepet, Kancheepuram
51 Arulmigu Masaniamman Temple, Aanaimalai, Coimbatore 51
Temples with Silver Cars
1 Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani 2 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur 3 Arulmigu Meenakshisundareswar Temple, Madurai 4 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Tiruttani 5 Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram 6 Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai 7 Arulmigu Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai 8 Arulmigu Nellaiappar and Gandhimathiamman Temple, Tirunelveli 9 Arulmigu Padaleeswarar Temple, Tirupathiripuliyur, Cuddalore 10 Arulmigu Vaithyanatha Swamy Temple, Vaitheeswarankoil 11 Arulmigu Chattanatha Swamy Temple, Sirkali 12 Arulmigu Mayuranathaswamy Temple, Mayiladuthurai 13 Arulmigu Mariamman, Angalamman Temple, Pollachi 52
14 Arulmigu Prasanna Vinayagar Temple, Udumalaipettai 15 Arulmigu Devikarumariamman Temple, Tiruverkadu 16 Arulmigu Kolanjiappar Temple, Manavalanallur 17 Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple, Kancheepuram 18 Arulmigu Kamatchiamman Temple, Kancheepuram 19 Arulmigu Muthukumaraswamy Temple, Parktown, Chennai 20 Arulmigu Tiruvenkadamudayan Temple, Ariyakurichi 21 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Kundrakudi 22 Arulmigu Meenakshisundareswarar Temple, Keelasevelpatti 23 Arulmigu Kannudaiya Nayagiamman Temple, Natarasankottai 24 Arulmigu Koppudaya Nayagiamman Temple, Karaikudi 25 Arulmigu Nagarasivan @ Meenakshisundareswarar Temple, Devakottai 26 Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple, Konnaiyur, Thirumayam 27 Arulmigu Aruthra Kapaleeswarar Temple, Erode 53
28 Arulmigu Sangameswarar Temple, Bhavani 29 Arulmigu Palaniandavar Temple, Bhavani 30 Arulmigu Balasubramania Swamy Temple, Aayakudi, Tirunelveli 31 Arulmigu Madurakaliamman Temple, Thottiyam 32 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Neyveli 33 Arulmigu Veyuluku Uganda Vinayagar Temple, Uppur, Ramanathapuram 34 Arulmigu Soundararajaperumal Temple, Dindigul 35 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Kumarakottam, Kancheepuram 36 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Ettukudi, Nagapattinam 37 Arulmigu Ekambareswarar and Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Chettikulam, Perambalur 38 Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple, Karaikudi, Sivagangai. 39 Arulmigu Ekambareswarar Temple, Mint, Chennai
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Basic Amenities Drinking Water Facilities 83. Steps have been taken for providing safe drinking water for the devotees visiting temples. During 2011-2012, 102 temples were provided with safe drinking water at a cost of Rs.76.32 lakhs.
Modern Toilet Facilities 84. Steps have been taken to provide separate modern toilet facilities for Men and Women visiting temples. During 2011-2012, construction of 126 toilets for Men and 127 toilets for Women at the cost of Rs.2.66 crores was undertaken in 45 temples.
Stay Facilities
85. During 2011-2012, cottages, rooms, dormitories, cloak rooms and parking lots in 8 temples at an estimate of Rs.1.90 crores were constructed and dedicated to the devotees visiting temples. 55
Temple Cleanliness
86. In order to maintain the cleanliness in the temples, the house keeping of the temple premises has been outsourced. During 2011-2012, cleanliness in 87 temples were undertaken by outsourcing. Steps have been taken to extend the scheme to the other temples also where large number of devotees and tourists visit.
Distribution of Sarees / Dhoties
87. In important temples, cotton sarees and dhoties received as offerings are distributed to the elderly persons, destitutes and widows on Independence Day and Arignar Anna’s Memorial Day on the occasion of common feast. During 2011-2012, 4652 persons were benefited by this scheme. Steps are being taken to increase more beneficiaries annually during the above said days.
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Safety Of Icons And Valuables
88. To safeguard the icons, jewels and valuables of the temples, safety measures such as installation of Burglar Alarms, Tell Tale Clocks, Inner Locking Systems, fixing Iron Gates, Closed Circuit Television, appointment of Night Watch Men and appointment of personnel from the temple protection force have been adopted in 1200 temples.
89. In order to protect the valuable Icons of the temples “Icon Centers” have been built up. Icons of Temples having inadequate protections are being safeguarded therein. Provision has been made to take out the idols of temples from the center for conducting festivals and returned for safe custody after festival. Poojas are performed for all the idols at the centers. Details of Icon Centers
1 Icon Centre, Thiruvarur (Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Temple campus) 57
2 Arulmigu Akilandeshwari and Jambugeshwarar Temple, Thiruvanaikkaval, Trichy 3 Arulmigu Nellaiappar Gandhimadhiamman Temple, Tirunelveli 4 Arulmigu Sugavaneswarar Temple, Salem 5 Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple, Gandhinagar, Vellore 6 Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai 7 Arulmigu Egambaranathar Temple, Kanchipuram 8 Arulmigu Padaleeswarar Temple, Thiruppadhiripuliyur, Cuddalore 9 Arulmigu Nageswaraswamy Temple, Kumbakonam 10 Arulmigu Patteeswaraswamy Temple, Perur, Coimbatore 11 Arulmigu Bragathambal Temple, Thirukokarnam, Pudukkottai 12 Arulmigu Thiruvappudaiyar Temple, Sellur, Madurai 13 Arulmigu Sundarraja Perumal Temple, Sivagangai 14 Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Temple, Thiruvarur (Additional centre) 58
15 Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Temple, Thiruvotriyur 16 Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Tiruthani
17 Arulmigu Kaliamman Temple, Adhiyamankottai, Dharmapuri 18 Arulmigu Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Vilupuram 19 Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Temple, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar
Temple Protection Force
90. A separate wing namely “Temple Protection Force” has been formed for protecting the icons, jewels, hundials and valuables in the temples. Sanction was accorded for appointing 1000 Grade-II Police Constables and 3000 Ex-Servicemen in this force. During 2005-2006, 1000 Grade-II Police Constables and 2751 Ex-Servicemen were serving in the temple protection force. Since adequate interest in the safety of temples was not shown in the past years, this number has come down to 717 Police 59
Constables and 1806 Ex-Servicemen. To compensate this, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has raised the monthly consolidated pay from Rs.1,500/- to Rs.5000/- to the Ex-Servicemen in the temple protection force.
Karunai Illangal
91. Karunai Illangal were started in financially affluent temples under the control of this Department to provide assistance such as food, shelter and education apart from showing love and care for the destitute children. There are 33 Karunai Illangal functioning in 30 temples. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma ordered full fee exemption for the higher studies of the Karunai Illam students who have completed +2 studies in the Educational Institutions run by the temples under the control of the Department and 50% concession to other Educational Institutions.
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92. During 2011-2012, necessary basic amenities have been upgraded for the children in the Karunai Illangal.
DETAILS OF KARUNAI ILLANGAL
1 Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu, Thiruvallur District 2 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple , Tiruthani, Thiruvallur District 3 Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, Dindugul District 4 Arulmigu Mariamman Temple , Samayapuram Tiruchirapalli District 5 Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai, Madurai District 6 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple , Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District 7 Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Thirukoil, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram District 8 Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Temple , Vadapalani, Chennai 9 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple , Maruthamalai, Coimbatore District 10 Arulmigu Bannari Mariamman Temple , Bannari, Erode District 61
11 Arulmigu Kallazhagar Temple , Azhagarkoil, Madurai District 12 Arulmigu Lakshmi Narasimha Swam y Temple, Sholinghur, Vellore District 13 Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple , Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvannamalai District 14 Arulmigu Swaminatha Swamy Temple , Swamimalai, Thanjavur District 15 Arulmigu Sugavaneswarar Temple, Salem, Salem District 16 Arulmigu Vanabadra Kaliamman Temple, Thekkampatty, Coimbatore District 17 Arulmigu Vazhaithottathu Ayyan Temple, Ayyampalayam, Coimbatore District 18 Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Thirupparamkundram, Madurai District 19 Arulmigu Venkitachalapathi swamy Temple, Oppl iyappanKoil, Thanjavur District 20 Arulmigu Naganatha Swamy Temple, Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur District 21 Arulmigu Magudeswara Swamy Veeranarayana Perumal Temple, Kodumudi, Erode District 22 Arulmigu Vinayagar Temple, Echanari, Coimbatore District 62
23 Arulmigu Patteeswara Swamy Temple, Perur, Coimbatore District 24 Arulmigu Masaniamman Temple, Anaimalai, Coimbatore District 25 Arulmigu Koppudainayagi Amman Temple, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District 26 Arulmigu Subramaniaswami Temple, Sivanmalai, Erode District 27 Arulmigu AdaikalamKaatha Ayyanar and Badrakaliamman Temple, Madappuram, Sivagangai District 28 Arulmigu Nellaiappar Gandhimathi Amman Temple, Thirunelveli District 29 Arulmigu Muthukumara Swamy Devasthanam, Chennai 30 Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple, Thayamangalam, Sivagangai District
Educational Institutions 93. With the social object of inculcating culture, pious outlook etc. required for adopting divine disciplines, the temple administration along with their other obligations and responsibilities are running Padasalas, Colleges and Schools.
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Institutions No.
1. Arts, Culture and Science Colleges 5
2. Polytechnic College 1
3. Higher Secondary Schools 15
3. High Schools 8
4. Middle Schools 2
5. Elementary Schools 9
6. Matriculation School 1
7. CBSE School 1
8. Nadaswaram and Thavil - Musical 2 Training Schools
9. Vedha Agama Padasala 3
10. Thevara Padasala 2
11. School for the Deaf and Dumb 1
Total 50
Arts and Science Colleges
1. Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts and Culture College, Palani, Dindugul District 2. Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College for Women, Palani, Dindugul District 64
3. Sri Parasakthi College for Women, Kutralam, Tirunelveli District 4. Sri Devi Kumari College for Women, Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari District 5. Poombuhar College, Melaiyur, Nagapattinam District
Polytechnic College 1. Arulmigu Palaniandavar Polytechnic College, Palani, Dindugul District
Higher Secondary Schools
1. Arulmigu Periyanayagiamman Girls Higher Secondary School, Kovilur, Muthupettai, Thiruvarur District 2. Arulmigu Subramaniaswami Thirukoil Higher Secondary School, Maruthamalai, Vadavalli, Coimbatore District 3. Arulmigu Vazhaithottathaiyan Higher Secondary School, Ayyampalayam, Samalapuram, Somanur, Tiruppur District 4. Arulmigu Perur Santhaliga Adigalar Higher Secondary School, Perur, Coimbatore District 5. Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Girls Higher Secondary School, Madurai District
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[6. Arulmigu Andavar Subramaniyaswamy Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirupparankundram, Madurai District 7. Arulmigu Thirumalai Kumaraswami Devasthana Girls Higher Secondary School, Kutralam, Tirunelveli District 8. Devasthana Higher Secondary School, Mandaikadu, Kanyakumari District
9. Sri Gandhimathi Ambal Girls Higher Secondary School, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District 10. T. Venugopal Chetty Higher Secondary School, Chennai 11. Hindu Higher Secondary School, Chennai 12. Arulmigu Parvathavarthini Ambal Girls Higher Secondary School, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram District. 13. Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Thirukoil Higher Secondary School, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam District 14. Sri Sivapprakasa Swamigal Higher Secondary School, Mayilam, Dindivanam, Vilupuram District 15. Arulmigu Parasakthi Vidhiyalaya Higher Secondary School, Kutralam, Thirunelveli District
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High Schools
1. Arulmigu Anjuvattathamman Girls High School, Kilvelur, Thiruvarur District 2. Arulmigu Kaliyugavaratharaja Perumal Girls High School, Kallankurichi, Ariyalur District 3. Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Thirukoil Girls High School, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam District 4. Arulmigu Sundarraja High School, Azhagarkoil, Madurai District 5. Devaswom High School, Thirparappu, Kanyakumari Distric. 6. Sri Thirugnana Sambandar High School, Dharmapuram, Nagapattinam District 7. Arulmigu Muthukumaraswamy Devasthana High School, Chennai 8. Devaswom High School, Kulithurai, Kanyakumari District
Middle Schools 1. Thiruvavaduthurai Atheenam Middle School, Thiruvavaduthurai, Nagapattinam District 2. Thiruvavaduthurai Atheenam Ambalavana Thesigar Middle School, Thiruvavaduthurai, Nagapattinam District
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Elementary Schools
1. Swami Nellaiyappar Anbu Ashramam Elementary School, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli District 2. Sankaranarayanaswami Thirukoil Elementary School, Sankarankoil, Tirunelveli Distric. 3. Sri Meikandar Elementary School, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam District 4. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswami Aided Elementary School, Palani, Dindugul District 5. Thiruvavaduthurai Atheenam Elementary School, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thanjavur District 6. Thirugnanasambandar Elementary School, Dharmapuram, Nagapattinam District 7. Arulmigu Sundarraja Elementary School, Azhagarkoil, Madurai District 8. Anjugam Elementary School, Kodambakkam, Chennai 9. Padamavathi Kannapiran Elementary School, Otteri, Chennai
Matriculation School
1. Palaniandavar Matriculation School, Palani, Dindugul District
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CBSE School
1. ParaSakthi Vidhiyalaya, Kutralam, Tirunelveli District
Nadaswaram and Thavil - Musical Training Schools 1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Thirukkovil, Palani, Dindugul District 2. Arulmigu Naganathaswami Thirukkovil, Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur District
Vedha Agama Padasalas
1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Thirukkovil, Palani, Dindugul District 2. Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Thirukkovil, Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District 3. Arulmigu Vaithiyanathaswamy Thirukoil, Vaitheeswarankoil, Nagapattinam District
Thevara Training Schools
1. Dharmapura Atheenam, Dharmapuram, Mayiladudurai, Nagapattinam District 2. Maruthanayaga Mudaliar Annapoorani Ammal Trust, Coimbatore, Coimbatore District 69
School For Hearing Impaired
1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Thirukoil, Palani, Dindugul District
Social Welfare Institutions
94. Temples are also a place of Social Welfare Unit apart from place of worship. It also runs Hospitals, Home for Mentally Disordered, Karunai Illangal and Oldage Homes. They are as follows:
Institutions No.
1. Siddha Hospitals 7 2. Allopathy Hospitals 2 3. Home for Mentally Disordered 1 4. Karunai Illangal 33 5. Old Age Homes 2 Total 45
Details Of Social Welfare Institutions
Siddha Hospitals 1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Thirukoil, Palani, Dindugul District 70
2. Arulmigu Vadapalani Andavar Thirukoil, VadaPalani, Chennai 3. Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Thirukoil, Marudhamalai, Coimbatore District 4. Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Thirukoil, Tiruttani, Thiruvallore District 5. Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Thirukoil, Thiruparankundram, Madurai District 6. Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Thirukkoi, Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District 7. Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Thirukoil, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram District
Allopathy Hospitals
1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Thirukoil, Palani, Dindugul District 2. Arulmigu Karpagavinayagar Thirukoil, Pillaiyarpatti, Sivagangai District
Home For the Mentally Disordered
1. Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Thirukoil, Gunaseelam, Thiruchirapalli District
Oldage Home
1. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani, Dindigul District 2. Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Thirupparamkundram, Madurai District
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Basic Amenities For Schools And Colleges
95. A corpus fund of Rs.5 crores transferred from the affluent temples, has been created for providing basic amenities for Schools and Colleges functioning under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The interest accrued from the corpus fund is used as financial grant for providing facilities such as buildings, laboratories, libraries, computers, drinking water and toilet facilities in the Schools and Colleges run by the temples.
96. During 2011-2012, Rs.55.47 lakhs were allocated from the corpus fund to 5 Educational Institutions and an assistance of Rs.287.96 lakhs were granted from respective temple funds to 12 Educational Institutions.
Kosalas
97. Integrated Kosalas were formed in 4 places viz., Palani, Tiruchendur, Trichy and Rameswaram to maintain Cattles offered as Kanikkai. 72
98. Surplus Cattle received by the temples as donation are given free to the Women Self Help Groups and to Archakas and Poojaries working in the temples.
99. Special efforts will be taken to maintain the Kosalas of the temples.
Temples And Tamil
100. Alwars, Nayanmars and Holy Sages in reverence of eulogized the Deities in Tamil. The devotional songs of such savants such as Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Thirumanthiram, Thiruppugazh, Nalayira Divya Prabantham have contributed significantly for the Tamil language to flourish. To perform poojas in Tamil Potri books (Archana books) were published.
Festivals Of Saints And Savants
Sekkizhar Vizha
101. Sekkizhar festival is celebrated as a Government function every year at his birth place, 73
Kunrathur near Chennai by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Mylapore Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple celebrates “Panniru Thirumurai Vizha” and “Sekkizhar Vizha” for 12 days every year during the month of August.
Thirugnana Sambhandar Isai Vizha
102. “Thirugnana Sambhandar Isai Vizha” is celebrated every year at Arulmigu Vedhagiriswar Temple, Thirukazhukundram, to honour Saint Thirugnana Sambhandar, one of the religious savants. The expenses for the festival are met out from the Commissioner’s Common Good Fund.
Avvai Vizha
103. A temple for the Tamil Poetess and Savant Avvaiyar is situated at Thulasiyapattinam Village, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam District in the temple premises of Arulmigu Viswanathaswamy Thirukoil. Avvayar Vizha is celebrated every year in the month of Panguni on Sadhayam Star day. 74
Thayumanavar Vizha
104. Thayumanavar Adigal, who gave prime place for philosophy in all his divine verses was attracted by Mouna Gurusamy of Thirumoolar lineage on his way back after worshipping Dhakshinamoorthi at Arulmigu Thayumanavaswamy Temple, Malaikottai, Trichy. Every year a festival of Thayumanavar Adigal, is celebrated at Arulmigu Thayumanavaswamy Temple at Malaikottai, Tiruchirappalli.
Thiruvalluvar Vizha
105. “Thiruvalluvar Vizha” is celebrated in Mylapore Arulmigu Thiruvalluvar Temple on Thiruvalluvar Day every year on the 2nd day of Tamil month “Thai” believed to be the birthday of the Divine Poet Thiruvalluvar . On this occasion oratorical, recital and essay competitions are conducted among the pupils and prizes are distributed. Further discourses and debates are also conducted. 75
Arunagirinadhar Vizha
106. “Arulalar Arunagirinadhar Mukthipperu Vizha” is celebrated in Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai to honour Saint Arunagirinadhar, on “kettai” star in the month of Avani every year.
Chenkatchozha Nayanar Vizha
107. “Chenkatchozha Nayanar Vizha” is celebrated at Arulmigu Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvaanikaval, Tiruchirappalli every year on “Sathayam” star in the month of Masi, the birthday of Chenkatchozha, one among the 63 Nayanmars.
Festival Of Alwars
108. On “Thiruvonam” star in the month of Aippasi, the birth star of Poigai Alwar, ‘Alwars Festival’ for 12 Alwars is celebrated in Arulmigu Renganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Trichy District. 76
Chithirai Thirunaal –Tamil New Year Day
109. The Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma by an amendment of an act restored the customary practices followed by the Tamil people from days of yore recognizing the first day of Chithirai month as the Tamil New Year Day.
110. The Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma honoured the best Tamil Organisation, best Woman Social Worker and leading Tamil Scholars in a grand function organised by the Government of Tamil Nadu to celebrate the Tamil New Year on 13-4-2012. 111. Special Poojas, special Annadhanam, religious discourses and cultural programmes were conducted in all the temples on the Tamil New Year Day. The temples were illuminated and decorated with Plantain tree and Mango leaves. Reading of Panchangam was also done on that day.
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Thalavaralaru And Thalapuranam
112 Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam of ancient temples are published enabling the public to know the heritage, history, importance, puranas, architecture, inscriptions and importance of worship of the temples concerned. For other temples pamphlets are printed and published enlightening the importance of worship. During 2011-2012, steps were taken to remove the slackness by re-publishing and renewing Thalavaralaru and Thalapuranam.
Pilgrim Guides
113. Earlier Pilgrim guides alongwith the essential details were regularly published about various temples located in and around the towns of Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Pudukottai, Karur, Perambalur, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Salem, Nammakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Sivaganga, 78
Ramanathapuram. This activity was abandoned in the intervening period. Now, steps have been taken to revive the above work.
Thirukkoil Monthly
114. A monthly magazine namely Thirukkoil is being published since 1958 by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Now, this magazine is elegantly published with noteworthy articles by eminent writers.
Publishing Agama Books And Other Books In Tamil
115. In order to facilitate everyone to understand the Aagama Sastra books, which are in Sanskrit, they are translated in Tamil and published. In the first phase, the books “Uthara Kamiga Aagamam”, “Alaya irmana Bimbalakshana Silpa nool” and Kumara Thantram” have been translated in Tamil and published. Further, the Tamil books like “Indhu Matha Inaippu Vilakkam” 79 and “Saivamum Vainavamum” have been reprinted and published. Steps will be taken for reprinting the above books and publish new books as per need.
Chartered Engineers 116. In order to avoid delay in the preparation of estimates for renovation works of temples, retired engineers of the Public Works Department and the Highways Department have been approved as panel engineers. The approved panel engineers prepare drawings, estimates necessary for the renovation of temples.
Sthapathis 117. To ensure that the temple renovations are carried out in accordance with the standards prescribed in Aagama and Silpa Sasthra, persons practising this art, learnt traditionally from their ancestors and those possessing a degree or a diploma in sculptural arts have been approved as Sthapathis. 80
Refresher Training Course 118. For the Archagas, Bhattachariars and Odhuvars to do their work efficiently, a Refresher Course Scheme was started in the year 1991. Till 2002, 488 persons have undergone training under the Scheme. This Scheme was abandoned in the past years. Now six weeks Refresher Course has been revived and 1011 employees benefitted. This scheme will be continued every year.
Training On Human Values 119. It was proposed to train all employees including Archagas to serve the devotees kindly respecting their religious sentiments. Accordingly so far 1973 employees have been given training on Human Values in 17 centres. This training will be continued every year.
Appointment Of Musicians
120. It is customery to play auspicious music in temples during festivals. Considering the 81 decline in such service for want of sufficient fund in ancient temples which are praised by Alwars and Nayanmars in their Hymns, a corpus fund of Rs.1 crore has been deposited for enabling payment of Musicians recruited for playing Nathaswaram, Thavil and Thaalam instruments at a monthly salary of Rs.1,500, Rs.1,000 and Rs.750 respectively.
Welfare Schemes For The Temple Employees
121. Different categories of Employees are working in temples under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The Welfare Schemes available for temple employees are listed below:
Welfare Schemes
1. Employees Provident Fund Scheme. 2. Departmental Pension Scheme. 3. Family Benefit Fund Scheme. 4. Special Provident Fund Cum Gratuity Scheme. 82
5. Temple Employees Welfare Fund Scheme. 6. Pension Scheme for Archakar, Odhuvar, Vedhaparayanar, Arayars, Divya Prabhandam reciters and Musicians. 7. Advance for Marriage, Festival and for purchase of Vehicle. 8. Appointment on compassionate grounds. 9. Kudamuzhukku incentive. 10. Additional incentive for annual festivals 11. Pongal Ex-gratia payment 12. Financial assistance for the Higher Education of the Temple Employee’s Children. 13. Providing Uniforms and Identity Cards for the Temple Employees. 14. Computer Training for Temple Employees. 15. Providing free Bicycles for the Archakas/ Poosaris of the temples where Oru Kala Pooja is performed.
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Family Benefit Fund 122. This Scheme was introduced to help the heirs of the temple employees dying in harness. A corpus fund of Rs.15 crores has been created for the implementation of this scheme. In this scheme, Rs One Lakh is granted for the heirs of the deceased. During 2011-2012, a sum of Rs.72.25 lakhs has been disbursed to 78 legal heirs.
Special Provident Fund Scheme 123. This Scheme was introduced for the welfare of the employees of temples whose annual income is Rs.1 lakh and above. A corpus fund of Rs.50 lakhs has been created for this Scheme from out of the surplus fund of the affluent temples. An amount of Rs.5000 is disbursed as gratuity under this Scheme along with the total subscription paid by the retiring employee during his service. During 2011-2012, a sum of Rs.1.99 lakhs has been disbursed to 47 retired employees from the corpus fund. 84
Temple Employees Welfare Fund Scheme
124. This scheme has been created for the employees of temples where the annual income is less than Rs.1,00,000. A corpus fund of Rs.5 crore from the surplus fund of temples has been created. The interest accrued from this corpus fund is being utilized for the disbursement of the arrears of salary to employees every year. During 2011-2012, 1261 employees have been disbursed a sum of Rs.48,85,233 as arrears of salary for the period from 1.1.2009 to 31.12.2009.
Appointment On Compassionate Grounds
125. The scheme of providing jobs on compassionate grounds to the legal heirs of temple employees dying in harness is in implementation in temples. During 2011-2012, 12 legal heirs were given employment.
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Pension Scheme
A) Pension for Archakar, Othuvars, Vedhaparayanars, Arayars, Divya Prabandham reciters and Musicians.
126. Archakars, Othuvars, Vedhaparayanars, Arayars, Divya Prabandham reciters and Musicians who have served for 20 years in temples and attained 60 years of age were paid a monthly pension of Rs.750 from the Government funds through this Department.
127. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has ordered to enhance the pension from Rs.750 to Rs.1000 per month. A sum of Rs.14.49 lakhs is incurred as additional expenditure annually benefitting 483 employees. The lists of beneficiaries of this scheme is as follows:
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Number of Total persons number S. Pension approved of No Beneficiary by beneficia- Govern- ries ment 1. Othuvars 125 39 2. Vedham/Prabandham 59 11 /Arayars 3. Musicians 125 68 4. Archakars (Saivam 691 365 and Vainavam)
Total 1000 483
B) Village Poosarigal Pension Scheme
128. The Government has sanctioned a monthly pension of Rs.750 per month to Village Temple Poosaris who have served for more than 20 years in village temples which are not directly under the control of this Department and attained 60 years of age. Under this Scheme, 2353 Village Poosaris are being benefited. 87
C) Pension Scheme For Other Employees Serving In Temples 129. There are two types of Pension Schemes implemented since March 2006, for the temple employees.
i. Employees Provident Fund Scheme
130. This Scheme is applicable to all employees working in temples. As per this Scheme, employees who have more than 10 years of service, subscribe to the Employees Provident Fund Scheme, and receive the benefits like pension and family pension under this Scheme.
ii. Departmental Pension Scheme
131. For the employees who have less than 10 years of service on the date of implementation of the Scheme (1.3.2006) and all employees working in the temples which are not affluent to subscribe for the Employees Provident 88
Fund Scheme, a Departmental Pension Scheme has been implemented in 2006. For disbursing pension under the Departmental Pension Scheme, a corpus fund of Rs.50 crores was created from the surplus funds of affluent temples and from the interest accrued on this corpus fund, pension of Rs.800 is being disbursed monthly to the retired temple employees who are unable to get pension through the Employees Provident Fund Scheme.
132. During 2011-2012, 353 retired employees were sanctioned with pension and so far 2888 employees have been benefited under this scheme.
133. As ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma , Departmental Pension Scheme benefits have been extended to those employees who retired prior to 1996, benefiting 100 more retired employees. 89
Educational Aids For The Children Of Temple Employees
134. Financial assistance of 25% in the first year tuition fees is given to the son or daughter of the temple employee studying professional courses in a Government aided Educational Institution.
Village Poosaris Welfare Board
135. For Poosaris performing poojas in the village temples which are not under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, a separate Board namely “The Village Temple Poosarigal Welfare Board” has been constituted, through which the following benefits are provided. Assistance Amount provided 1. For the purchase of Rs.500/- spectacles 2. For the Maternity/abortion Rs.6000/- expenses of poosari’s wife or daughter 90
3. For the Higher Education from of the Children of a Rs.1000/- poosari to Rs.6000/-
4. For the marriage of the Rs.6000/- poosari or their son/ daughter’s marriage
5. For performing the last Rs.2000/- rites of deceased member 6. For the legal heir of the Rs.15,000/- deceased member
Conclusion: 136. “t‹f© Fofh¤jš f‰w¿jš MŸéidnahL IªJl‹ kh©lJ mik¢R”
“Firmness, mobility, concern, love and efforts An ideal Minister has these five traits”
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, who embodies all the above virtues formulates the schemes for the people of the state with farsightedness.
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137. True to the dictum “ Nation prospers when Temples prosper ” ( nfhæšfŸ cau FofŸ caU« ), the Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has ordered
• To complete renovations and kumbabhishekams for all the Temples in the state conforming to the Agamic principles
• To strengthen the special revenue units and the revenue courts with a view to collect the revenue without arrears and settle land disputes
• To retrieve the misclassified and encroached temple properties
• “To extend Annadhanam Scheme to 50 more temples in line with the dictum of Thirumoolar “Sharing a morsel of food to anyone while eating is a bliss ” (aht®¡Fkh« c©Q«nghJ xU if¥Ão)))) 92
• To modernize the kitchens where Annadhanam Scheme is being implemented
• To provide daylong Annadhanam (8.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M.) in Srirangam Arulmigu Aranganathaswamy Temple and Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple throughout the day true to the dictum “Those who give food give life also ” (c©o bfhL¤njh® cæ® bfhL¤njhnu))))
• To Provide cable car with modern technology and comforts for the convenience of devotees visiting Palani Arulmighu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple
• To conduct spiritual and moral classes on all Saturdays in important temples to make our children imbibe moral and ethical values enshrined in our ancient literature
• To award prizes to the children who regularly participate in the spiritual and moral classes
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138. The Government regulates the life of the people by legislation. Similarly, the religion regulates the spiritual life of the people by virtue. Following the virtuous rule of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, the officers and employees of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department have pledged to serve well with dedication, determination and devotion.
M.S.M. ANANDAN Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department 94
ANNEXURE
Part II Scheme 2012-13
Total Cost for S. Name of the Cost 2012-13 No. Scheme (Rs. in (Rs. in Lakh) Lakh)
1 Purchase of Computers with Printers for 18.00 18.00 Commissionerate
2 Purchase of new jeep replacing the old jeep for the Special Officer 6.00 6.00 (Temple Lands)
Total 24.00 24.00