The civil works at the Arunachala temple have raised serious concerns about the conservation and preservation of ancient temples under the Tamil Nadu Government’s HR & CE Department. Temple activist T.R. Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on the department for its negligence in executing civil works within the temple premises of Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple – Tiruvannamalai.
Posting on X, Ramesh stated, “The pictures enclosed show an unprofessional and highly dangerous approach to the structures of this ancient temple. The attitude is also an insult to our Hindu faith. Unless we drive these fraudsters from our temples – we cannot save – our heritage – our faith – our culture”
When you have FRAUDS controlling Hindu Temples for more than 70 years by brazen Contempt of Courts – you can expect them to loot the temples at any cost
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple – Tiruvannamalai – A valiant example of Hindu resurgence and heritage – A temple that rose… pic.twitter.com/DooF1NWV2f
— trramesh (@trramesh) July 8, 2025
On June 6, a bench comprising Chief Justice K.R. Shriram and Justice Sunder Mohan, directed the Tiruvannamalai District Collector to submit a detailed report on the measures taken to remove 1,535 unauthorised constructions on the sacred Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai.
கட்டிடங்களை அகற்ற எடுத்த நடவடிக்கை என்ன?
திருவண்ணாமலை, மலையில் சட்டவிரோதமாக கட்டப்பட்டுள்ள 1,535 கட்டிடங்களை
அகற்ற எடுத்த நடவடிக்கை என்ன?மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் வரும் 20ம் தேதிக்குள் அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும்
– சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு#tiruvannamalai… pic.twitter.com/chwh009tTs
— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) June 6, 2025
The bench was hearing a PIL filed by Advocate ‘Elephant’ Rajendran, who raised concerns over the growing number of illegal buildings on the hill, home to the revered Arunachaleswarar Temple. In response to the petition, the High Court had earlier constituted a special committee led by retired Justice Govindarajan, with representatives from both the Forest and Revenue Departments, to identify and take action against such structures.
In a 14-page order dated June 6, the bench noted:
“The petitioner has made very serious allegations about huge encroachments in the holy mountain of Arunachala. In the synopsis to the petition, it is submitted as under:
‘I respectfully submit that Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple is world-famous and one of the oldest and most important Shiva temples in the world. Lakhs of devotees visit this temple every month. Everyone visits and receives the blessings of Shiva at least once in their life. I submit that adjacent to this holy Shiva temple is the Girivala mountain (parikrama or circumambulation path). This is the oldest mountain in the world; the Himalayas are the youngest.
This holy mountain of Arunachala rises to an elevation of 2,669 feet. The road encircling the mountain, on which devotees circumambulate, is 14 km long. Geologists have calculated the age of this mountain as 2.6 billion years, but the Geological Survey of India claims this mountain to be 3.5 billion years old. The Arunachaleswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva is located at the foot of the mountain. Devotees perform the spiritual walk of 14 km on Pournami (full moon) day to receive blessings. There are 8 Shivalingams on the Girivala path.
It is submitted that the total area of the hill is 718 acres and 35,719 sq. ft., Survey No: 520, Ward No: 3. Several oodais (brooks) on the hill carry rainwater to tanks in the city. These oodais are now under illegal constructions. Hence, the natural flow of rainwater through traditional routes is obstructed.
This holy hill is now in a dangerous condition due to the encroachment of ruthless individuals who have constructed huts and houses for about 400 feet on the slope around the hill. These encroachments/illegal constructions must be removed to restore the past glory of the hill.’”
The bench referred to the monitoring committee’s report, submitted on 12 February 2025, which stated:
“The Committee considers it fit to bring to the attention of this Hon’ble Court the following aspect: (i) No patta shall be issued to any of the encroachers in S.F. No: 10, Block No: 1, classified as Kallankuthu Annamalaiyar Malai to an extent of 574 acres and 28 cents, as it poses a serious danger to the lives of the people. Another Wayanad-type incident must not be repeated.”
The bench observed:
“Notwithstanding the fact that on 12.2.2025 it was recorded that steps were being taken to remove 1,535 unauthorised structures on or before 31.3.2025, there is nothing on record to indicate that these structures have been removed. The petitioner raises a very valid grievance that the officers who were involved and were working tirelessly have all been transferred because the occupants of these unauthorised structures—or those who allowed them to come up—were unhappy with the proactive work of those officers. Moreover, there is nothing to indicate what steps have been taken to remove the remaining 3,634 buildings…”
The Court directed:
“The Collector shall file an affidavit explaining the status of the removal of the first batch of 1,535 unauthorised structures. If they have not been removed, he must explain the impediments and why he did not honour his own commitment during the Monitoring Committee meeting. He shall also explain, in the affidavit, the current status of the removal of the remaining 3,634 buildings. This affidavit shall be filed and a copy served on the petitioner within one week. We are informed that the Monitoring Committee is scheduled to meet on 13.6.2025.”
On X, temple activist T.R. Ramesh said:
Tiruvannamalai – Holy Temple – Holy Mountain – Holy Tanks – all endangered by encroachers – with Govt turning a blind eye for more than 15 years.
Ten months ago, Temple and Animal Welfare Activist – Advocate Shri Elephant Rajendran – had filed important PILs regarding removal… https://t.co/HjAmSApuJI pic.twitter.com/WezIB5demg
— trramesh (@trramesh) June 6, 2025
“Tiruvannamalai – Holy Temple – Holy Mountain – Holy Tanks – all endangered by encroachers, with the government turning a blind eye for more than 15 years. Ten months ago, temple and animal welfare activist Advocate Shri Elephant Rajendran filed important PILs regarding the removal of encroachments in the sacred hill of Tiruvannamalai and about 140 ponds, canals, and other water bodies there. The Hon’ble First Bench took a stern view of the lack of credible steps from the government to remove encroachments from forest land and water bodies.”
These two incidents show how the HR & CE Department is distancing itself from its statutory duties in protecting temple interests and properties
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