Over 1,000 temples in Tamil Nadu to be renovated: Jaya

CHENNAI: Over 1000 temples including those built by kings that are in dilapidated condition will be renovated in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said here today.

As many as 7,327 temples have been consecrated and renovated in the last four years, Jayalalithaa said in a suo motu statement in the state assembly.

There were about 39,000 temples in the state and consecration was being done for them once in 12 years, she said.

Besides renovation and consecration of 1004 temples this fiscal year, the government has also identified 23 ancient temples for the purpose that will be undertaken without affecting their aesthetics and heritage, she said.

A sum of Rs 5.02 crore had been allocated for renovating and consecrating 1004 temples, at Rs 50,000 per temple, Jayalalithaa added.

The annexe of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and Pundarikatsa Perumal Temple built by Hoysala king Veera Pallalava in the 13th century will be given a facelift, she said adding funds have been allocated for the completion of the Rajagopuram (Temple Tower) without compromising with its heritage value, she added.

She also said the state government will adopt techniques like including DNA-oriented reproducing measures to 'redeem' rare species of trees exclusive to certain temples and its presiding deity.

Accommodation for temple devotees, safe lockers to keep their belongings and raising of compound walls for 14 temples to ensure their safety were the other announcements made by the Chief Minister.