The Arunachaleswarar Temple is considered an “Ancient Temple” and is listed under Section 46(II) of the Act, currently under the management of the Temple Associate Commissioner or Acting Officer. The request for administrative permission for the construction of shops, along with the associated cost calculations, was made by the Department of Charitable Appraisal Engineers and funded by the Public Works Department. This entire project has been labeled as a “Deposit Work.”
This permission allows for the execution of the deposit work through the Public Works Department, involving an estimated sum of RS 6.40,00,000/- (Six Crore and Forty Lacs only). The funds for this project will be drawn from the temple’s resources and allocated for establishing the shops in front of the Rajagopuram, within the precincts of the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
The order, dated September 14, 2023, refers to various government notifications and correspondences, shedding light on the background and context of this controversial decision. During discussions in the Legislative Assembly on April 19, 2023, the Minister for HR and CE, Sekar Babu, made a significant announcement related to “Notification No:223.” This notification outlined plans for constructing shops at an estimated cost of Rs 5.99 crores in the area in front of the Rajagopuram, which is a part of the land owned by the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Devotees and concerned citizens are expressing their dismay at this decision, raising questions about the implications for the heritage and sanctity of the temple. The move has ignited a passionate debate, with many expressing their concerns over the commercialization of sacred grounds and its impact on the temple’s cultural and religious significance.
கோபுர தரிசனம் கோடி புண்ணியம்.
திருவண்ணாமலை ராஜகோபுரத்தை மறைத்து அதன் முன் கடை கட்ட காண்ட்ராக்ட் விடும் அறநிலையத்துறையை என்ன சொல்ல? நீங்க கடவுளை பார்ப்பதை விட, நாங்க @PKSekarbabu காசு பார்ப்பதே முக்கியம் என HR&CE @tnhrcedept அராஜகம். pic.twitter.com/XL7aES0mJb— M Nachiappan (@BJPNach) November 1, 2023
In a recent revelation, temple activist TR Ramesh has brought to light UNESCO’s previous concerns regarding substantial structural violations at the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. These concerns have now been brought before the Madras High Court, sparking a debate on the temple’s heritage and sanctity.
UNESCO had earlier pointed out to Hon'ble Madras High Court, the horrible structural violations carried out by @tnhrcedept in Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai.
The Dept which has an Executive Officer in this temple only by Contempt of Court's orders has… https://t.co/pKrc6bePFx
— trramesh (@trramesh) November 1, 2023
The violations in question are attributed to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department. They include the construction of a modern office and two “guest houses” within the confines of this ancient temple. These developments have drawn significant criticism for their potential impact on the temple’s historical and cultural significance.
UNESCO’s involvement underscores the international significance of this issue, as it pertains to the preservation of a revered historical site. The concerns raised by UNESCO have added weight to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple and the actions of the HR and CE department. This controversy continues to capture the attention of both devotees and preservation advocates, who are keen to protect the temple’s heritage and cultural value.
Just got to know that there might be an ugly shopping complex coming up right next to the East Gopuram of the Thiruvannamalai temple on the temple land, thanks to @tnhrcedept officials greed! If true, this is neglect of TN temples taken to another level!
The visuals are… pic.twitter.com/aOKqlaCSo8
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) November 1, 2023
Temple activist TR Ramesh appeared before the Hon’ble Special Bench of the Madras High Court, currently hearing temple cases. Ramesh presented a compelling case regarding the alleged defiance, disobedience, and indifference exhibited by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department in obeying court orders.
Ramesh’s presentation shed light on the ongoing dispute involving HR&CE officials’ alleged misappropriation of Temple Funds to construct commercial complexes, wedding halls, and yatri nivas (visitor lodges) using funds designated for Hindu Temples. These purposes, he argued, are not allowed by law and have raised serious concerns within the community.
Despite clear directives from the judges, Ramesh highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government has failed to reply to his contempt petition seeking to hold HR&CE officials accountable for their actions. The Court had directed the government to file a reply by September 10, 2023, but to date, no response has been received.
This recent turn of events has placed the HR&CE Department under scrutiny, with accusations of disregard for court orders and misuse of temple funds for unauthorised and potentially illegal purposes. The controversy surrounding the department’s actions continues to draw attention and calls for transparency and accountability in the management of temple resources.
Today – I presented before the Hon'ble Special Bench of Madras High Court hearing Temple Cases – as to how defiant, disobedient and indifferent is @tnhrcedept in obeying Court Orders.
In spite of clear direction from the Judges – TN Govt has not replied to my Contempt… pic.twitter.com/0qYkf9unUW
— trramesh (@trramesh) November 3, 2023
Temple activist TR Ramesh has ignited a fresh controversy surrounding the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department’s alleged misuse of funds belonging to the ancient Saivite Denomination Temple of Sri Kapaliswarar in Mylapore, Chennai. Ramesh claims that the department is poised to significantly deplete temple funds by an astounding amount of Rs. 23.83 crore.
The controversy stems from events dating back to 2021 when funds were allegedly taken from the Sri Kapaliswarar Temple through a government order to establish a secular college in Kolathur, which happens to be the constituency of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M K Stalin. Ramesh has been actively contesting what he deems the fraudulent use of temple funds for a secular college located far away from the temple, and this legal battle has been ongoing since 2021. In fact, he had previously obtained a stay order from the Hon’ble Madras High Court to halt six similar college proposals.
Ramesh alleges that the Executive Officer associated with Sri Kapaliswarar Temple has prepared an estimate of Rs. 15.00 Crores of temple funds for the construction of new college buildings in M K Stalin’s constituency. Furthermore, the HR&CE department, which Ramesh accuses of occupying the temple through fraudulent means, has announced a tender for the construction of a “Cultural Centre” with a budget of Rs. 24.00 Crores. These developments could potentially reduce Sri Kapali Temple funds to less than half of their current holdings.
The involvement of trustees, appointed by the government, has also come under scrutiny, as Ramesh suggests they may be complicit in the misuse of temple resources. Encroachments on prime temple property along Greenways Road, including one by the “Women’s Indian Association,” have gone unaddressed, with some allegedly failing to pay proper rent for over 40 years.
Ramesh questions the authority of the HR&CE department and the government to dictate the usage of temple funds for projects announced by the government. He emphasises that such actions compromise the sanctity of Hindu Temples, including Sri Kapaliswarar Temple, and vows to challenge the “Cultural Centre” project in court, asserting that temple funds are not intended for government projects. This controversy continues to raise concerns about the management and protection of temple resources and properties.
கோயில் மூலதன நிதியில் கை வைக்கும் சனாதன தர்ம விரோத திமுக அரசு
இன்று இது குறித்து @dinamalarweb செய்திப்பத்திரிக்கையில் என்னுடைய பேட்டி வந்துள்ளது
கோயில் நிதி – கோயில் நோக்கங்களுக்குத் தாம் பயன்பட வேண்டும் என்று சட்டம் சொல்கிறது.
கோயிலின் ஆண்டு வருமானத்தில் கோயில் பூஜை,… pic.twitter.com/XhewF1SP56
— trramesh (@trramesh) October 25, 2023
BJP leader Annamalai urged the HR and CE to stop spending Kabaleeswar temple funds to build cultural centre which is a gross violation of the act and is condemnable. He threatened to launch massive protest if HR and CE roll backs its decision.
சென்னை மயிலாப்பூர் கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோவிலுக்குச் சொந்தமான இடத்தில், கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோவில் நிதியை எடுத்து, சென்னையில் கலாச்சார மையம் கட்டும் முயற்சியில், இந்து சமய அறநிலையத் துறை ஈடுபடப் போவதாக ஒப்பந்தம் கோரியிருக்கிறது.
கோவில் நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமிப்பது, கோவில் உண்டியல் பணத்தை எடுத்துக்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 25, 2023
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department’s recent decision to change its logo, omitting the iconic Srivilliputhur Temple tower, has stirred discontent among devotees. Many view this move as an attempt to erase the temple’s identity and cultural significance.
This isn’t the only change that has garnered criticism, as the department had earlier dropped the word “Hindu” from HR&CE, rebranding it as the “Religious and Charitable Endowment” department, a decision that had its share of detractors.
Furthermore, the HR&CE department’s initiative to collect details of temple lands with the stated intention of redistributing them to the landless poor, has raised questions among the public. Critics question why this focus is not extended to properties belonging to the waqf board and churches. In 2019, the then AIADMK government issued Government Order 318, which prompted a legal challenge in the High Court. The court issued an interim stay that remains in operation, preventing the redistribution of temple lands. Additionally, the court directed the HR&CE department to compile a list of encroachments on temple properties, a task that is yet to be completed, further contributing to the ongoing controversy surrounding the management and utilization of temple assets.
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