TN HR&CE Announces Temple Renovation and Pilgrim Welfare Package for 2026-27

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has announced a wide-ranging package of development works for 2026-27, focusing on the renovation of ancient shrines, enhancement of pilgrim amenities, expansion of annadhanam services, and welfare measures for temple staff. In Chennai, the Chennamalleeswarar and Chennakesava Perumal temples have been selected for infrastructure works, while the temple tank at Tiruvottiyur is slated for renovation.

Under the initiative, 64 temples that are more than 1,000 years old will undergo renovation at an estimated cost of Rs. 125 crore using government funds. Five additional ancient temples will be renovated at a cost of Rs. 7 crore through donor and temple contributions. The department has also proposed restoring 75 completely dilapidated temples at an outlay of Rs. 50 crore and 75 partially-dilapidated temples at Rs. 35 crore in the first phase. Renovation works will additionally be undertaken across 152 temples at an estimated cost of Rs. 35 crore.

Infrastructure projects across the state will include the construction of new mandapams, circumambulatory halls, rest shelters, tonsure halls, and pongal mandapams. Six temples, including those at Kaalapatti, Kuchanur, Melur, and Sulur, will receive new rajagopurams. Alongside the Tiruvottiyur tank, waterbodies at Teppakulam in Madurai and Srirangam will be renovated, and 100 dilapidated temple tanks will be restored in the initial phase at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 crore.

Pilgrim amenities will be upgraded with new accommodation at Samayapuram, Eachanari, and Ratnagiri. Basic infrastructure—such as sanitation blocks, drinking water, queue shelters, baggage storage, and breastfeeding rooms—will be enhanced at several shrines. The department has allocated Rs. 8 crore for facilities at the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai and Rs. 7 crore for works at the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple.

To assist devotees, emergency vehicles will be procured for 20 high-footfall temples at Rs. 3 crore, while 62 electric wheelchairs will be provided to 38 temples at Rs. 30 lakh for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Other works include an Rs. 11-crore sewage treatment plant at Tiruchendur, parking facilities at Srirangam, and free bus transit for pilgrims at Tiruchendur and Karaiyar.

Welfare measures announced for temple workers include extending maternity leave from nine to 12 months, raising earned leave surrender at retirement to 240 days, and increasing marriage assistance up to Rs. 2 lakh. A Temple Employees Selection Board will also be established to oversee recruitments.