Over 46000 Hindu and Jain temples in Tamil Nadu are said to be under the purview of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HRCE) department of the government of Tamil Nadu. Yet, they continue to be in a state of neglect. 

Recently Hindu activist, Shefali Vaidya, shared a series of tweets where she exposed the reality and the present condition of ancient Hindu temples that come under the HRCE, some built by Chola kings and some dating to be more than 1000 years old and having significance to Hindus in Bharat. 

Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar temple at Brahmadesam in the Ambasamudram district of Tamil Nadu was built during the Chola era. Originally constructed during the reign of King Raja Raja Chola, the village was bestowed upon Vedic Scholars for reciting the Four Vedas, leading to its name Chaturveda Mangalam or Brahmadhayam. Subsequent sections of the temple were added by Pandya Kings and Hoysala Kings. Notably, King Viswanatha Naick, ruler of Tirunelveli, oversaw the creation of prominent features such as the towering seven-story front Rajagopuram and the five-story rear Gopuram, along with substantial surrounding walls. Inside the temple, visitors can marvel at exquisite sculptures and a meticulously crafted door showcasing exceptional artistic finesse. In the past, the temple likely employed a significant workforce dedicated to its upkeep. 

However, the present scenario is a stark contrast, as a mere three individuals—a priest and two staff members—are designated by HRCE to manage this sprawling temple complex spanning acres. Shockingly, their collective monthly income is less than INR 5000. All the donations collected in the Hundi are directed to the government. Similar to many historic temples, this one also radiates an air of neglect. The priest, now in his fourth generation, continues his duties driven by ancestral tradition and a deep-rooted connection to the temple.

Kasipanathar Temple

Situated along the northern banks of the Tamirabarani River lies the Ambasamudram Maragathambikai Udanurai Kasibanatha temple, also referred to as the Erichaludiyar temple.

In ancient times, during a pilgrimage along the banks of the Tamirabarani river, Sage Kashyapa engaged in a Shiva puja using a Shiva linga made from white sand. A narrative exists that this very Shiva linga, referred to as Kasibha Nadar, is exhibited within this temple. The story continues that Sage Kashyapa conducted a yagya to honor Lord Shiva by the river’s edge. As a result of this ritual, he beseeched Lord Shiva a Shiva linga to be dedicated for worship, and Lord Shiva graciously transformed into a Shiva linga in response. A transformation in appearance took place as well.

Another account narrates that the lingam was consecrated and revered here by Sage Kashyapa, leading to its name Kasibha Nadhar. Within a distinct shrine to the west of the upper compound, lies the deity Erithandar, believed to be the Linga arising from Sage Kashyapa’s Yaga Kund. This temple is reputed to have been erected during the Chola dynasty and has an estimated antiquity of around 900 years.

At present, what is observable is the presence of construction debris that has remained untouched for several months, causing inconvenience to devotees and negatively impacting the temple’s ambiance. This situation not only reflects a lack of attention toward maintenance and preservation by HRCE but also blatantly showcases a disregard for these crucial aspects. 

Thiru Kutralanathar Temple

Located in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also of much renown. Referred to as both the Kutralanathar temple and the Kutraleeswarar temple, this sacred site is one among the 215 Thevara Thirusthalas, revered as the holy abodes of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Sage Agasthya undertook a visit to a temple devoted to Lord Vishnu and utilised his mystical powers to transform the Vishnu deity into a Lingam, thereby converting the temple into a sanctified dwelling for Lord Shiva. Devotees firmly hold the belief that the fingerprints of Sage Agasthya are still visibly marked upon the Lingam.

The Chitra Sabha Temple, part of the Pancha Sabha Kshetrams dedicated to Lord Shiva, is renowned as the site where He is believed to have performed the divine Cosmic dance. Situated just 500 meters away from the main temple, this temple stands out for its remarkable wall paintings and intricate carvings, bearing a striking resemblance to the Chitra Sabha at Chidambaram. The Chitra Sabha is known for its distinctive copper-plated roof and intricate paintings created using natural dyes. Historical accounts indicate that the construction of the Chitra Sabha was initiated by Parakrama Pandiyan and ultimately completed by Udayamarthanda Varman.

Today, the external mandapa is marred by scattered construction debris, while the river adjacent to the temple is contaminated with a substantial amount of discarded waste. Cobwebs are found all over the temple interiors and the temple walls have been disfigured by the political vanity boards, as tweeted by Shefali Vaidya. 

Poor Maintenance BY HRCE Dept.

The three aforementioned temples hold immense historical and religious importance for Hindus. However, despite possessing extensive land holdings, the HRCE department’s efforts in upkeeping these sites are inadequate. Any construction activities undertaken appear disorderly, with construction materials and equipment left strewn about for extended periods. Even archakas and staff who are employed by the HRCE department are paid unimaginably low salaries.