Temple activist TR Ramesh
Temple activist T R Ramesh has launched a crusade against the illegal and fraudulent appointment of HR & CE servants within Hindu temples and endowments in Tamil Nadu. Ramesh, who serves as the Sole Trustee of Hindu Temples and Charities, has issued legal notices to the Secretary of the Religious Endowments Department and the Commissioner of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (TNHRCE).
In his social media posts, Ramesh highlighted specific instances of misconduct, including the illegal posting of a Department servant as the “Executive Trustee” of the Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple in Kanchipuram. He also pointed out the unauthorised tenure of an Executive Officer at the Sri Parthasarati Temple in Tiruvallikeni, Chennai, who has functioned without legal authority since 1968.
Additionally, Ramesh expressed concern over indiscriminate digging near the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy temple’s wall, a practice he believes could endanger the ancient temple built on sand dunes near the sea. He raised alarm over the use of heavy machinery and construction activities, including the demolition of Devar cottages and the construction of new seashore cottages, potentially disrupting the temple’s delicate equilibrium between sand, rock, and sea.
Ramesh warned against the commercialisation of temple premises for tourism purposes, suggesting that activities like sea scooters and para sailing could further jeopardise the temple’s historical integrity and sacred surroundings.
In another tweet, he said, “ Indiscriminate digging perilously close to Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy temple’s wall supposedly for devotees’ amenities, could endanger the ancient temple dedicatedly built on sand dunes very close to the sea. The temple maintains equilibrium between sand, rock, and sea. Bulldozers are employed for operations. storied Q Complex for the main temple. Sandstone formed the Valli Gugai Q Complex, Devar cottages were demolished, new seashore cottages built. For one day Soorasamharam Utsav, stadium is built. As Tourism push, they may soon bring Sea scooters, Para sailing Pattaya style”.
Ramesh said, “We at Aalayam Kappom Org have filed case in NGT against validity of approval, coastal regulation zone rule violations, work inside/close to an ancient monument, case admitted, and notices served to the TN Govt, HRCE, Central Govt. TN Govt may show their might! We willl prove we are right!”.
Renowned temple preservation advocate, Ramesh, has raised concerns over the alleged omission of two ancient temples from the Integrated Temple Management Information System (ITMIS) in Tiruvannamalai. The temples in question, Sri Idumban Temple and Sri Ilayanar Temple, hold significant historical importance, yet they are conspicuously absent from the designated area earmarked by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department.
According to records maintained by the HR and CE Department and uploaded on its website, these temples are said to be located near the bus stand. To facilitate devotees in locating these sacred sites, GIS maps have been provided. However, temple activists have expressed dismay over the absence of actual temple images on the official website. Instead, images purported to represent the temples showcase unrelated establishments—a hardware and paints shop for Ilayanar Temple and a dilapidated building at a road junction for Idumban Temple.
Tiruvannamalai, renowned for its blend of spiritual and cultural significance, is home to the revered Annamalaiyar Temple, the majestic Annamalai hill, the ritualistic Girivalam, and the vibrant Karthigai Deepam festival, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. The HR and CE departments report a total of 1472 temples within the district’s boundaries.
On April 15, 2024, Ramesh formally notified the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu government and the Commissioner of HR&CE regarding the identified discrepancies in the temple MIS system. Despite his efforts, he has not received any response from the authorities. Ramesh has indicated his intention to pursue legal remedies if the issue remains unresolved, including the filing of a Writ Petition to seek clarification on the status of the missing temples.
In a statement, Ramesh expressed his frustration, questioning the actions of the HR and CE Department in handling temple records. He emphasised the importance of preserving and accurately documenting the rich heritage of Hindu temples, urging swift action to rectify the oversight and ensure transparency in temple management.
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