Tamil Nadu temples in a deplorable condition, says HR&CE Minister Ramesh

Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh observed that the temples in Tamil Nadu were in “highly deplorable conditions.”

An inspection of 17 temples in Kumbakonam, associated with the Mahamagam event, revealed that they were in “a deplorable state,” the Minister said while addressing the media at Patteeswaram near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district on Friday (September 11, 2026).

“For instance, inside the Nageswaran Temple at Thirunageswaram, there is no proper drainage system, resulting in a foul odour. Further, the Swamimalai Murugan Temple is currently in a state of neglect, though the previous regime had claimed that the DMK was the only party in Tamil Nadu to undertake renovation and other works in temples. One wonders if former Minister P.K. Sekarbabu had ever actually visited the Swamimalai Temple. They [the DMK] have been deceiving the public for the past five years,” the Minister alleged.

Upon assuming office, the government inspected temples to assess the need for basic amenities, deliberated on necessary repairs, and issued orders to execute the works, he said. Under the five-year tenure of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, all temples across Tamil Nadu would be renovated and revitalised, creating a conducive environment for devotees, Mr. Ramesh said.