Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched ₹218 crore worth of development projects across 26 temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. In a statewide push to enhance religious infrastructure, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 33 completed works worth ₹21.5 crore, covering temples, community spaces, and administrative upgrades across districts including Tiruttani, Palani, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
The 49 new projects span both religious and administrative infrastructure, aiming to improve facilities for devotees and support day-to-day temple operations. These include the construction of Annadhanam halls, parking facilities, staff quarters, and puja item centres. At the Subramania Swami Temple in Tiruttani and the Kumaravayalur Temple in Tiruchi, upgraded halls, water tanks, and residential quarters are part of the plan.
In Palani, one of Tamil Nadu’s most visited pilgrimage centres, a new administrative complex is planned for the Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple. Other districts benefitting from this temple-focused infrastructure drive include Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Tenkasi, and Krishnagiri. Works range from rajagopuram (temple towers) and temple tank restoration to marriage halls, compound walls, and improved staff housing.
In addition to launching new works, 33 completed projects were also inaugurated. These include renovated temple tanks, upgraded marriage halls, multipurpose buildings, and Annadhanam halls. The projects also include improvements to the offices of Assistant Commissioners, ensuring smoother administrative operations and better oversight of temple management and public services at the district level.
Officials emphasised that the HR&CE department’s focus goes beyond religious architecture—it aims to improve hygiene, accessibility, and facilities for pilgrims. These projects form part of a broader state initiative to promote religious tourism, revive heritage infrastructure, and bring public services closer to temple-goers. With development spanning urban and rural regions, the initiative promotes equitable cultural investment.
Tamil Nadu’s ₹218 crore temple infrastructure rollout reflects a strategic blend of cultural preservation and modernisation. By improving both spiritual and support facilities, the government is reinforcing temples as centres of community life, tourism, and public service. As more projects get underway, this initiative stands to enhance the temple experience for millions of devotees while strengthening administrative efficiency across the religious landscape.
