Census of ancient temples under way in Tamil Nadu, says HR and CE Minister

‘This will help in their renovation and restoration’

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department is conducting a census of temples that are over a thousand years old in Tamil Nadu, said P. K. Sekarbabu, Minister for HR and CE.

“This will help us take up renovation and restoration works. We have already identified 197 temples that are a thousand years old. This exercise is being carried out by experts, who are collecting evidence from inscriptions, koil ozhugu [temple rituals] details, sthala puranam [temple history] books and style of construction.”

Funds for repairs and restoration would be provided from the Commissioner’s Common Good fund if the temples are unable to find donors. “The government is very intent on the upkeep of temples and has allocated ₹100 crore for the purpose. We don’t differentiate between small and big temples when it comes to renovation,” Mr. Sekarbabu said.

Over the last one year, works worth ₹664 crore had been undertaken in 507 temples under the purview of the department.