Residents of Nallichery village near Ayyampettai in Thanjavur district have raised objections to the renovation works being carried out by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department at a centuries-old Shiva temple, alleging that the proposed works do not address the actual needs of devotees and the local community.
Villagers stated that the temple, identified as the Akhilandeswari Sametha Jambunathaswamy Temple, is nearly 900 years old and is currently undergoing renovation based on an estimated budget of ₹45 lakh. They alleged that the manner in which the renovation was planned and executed contained several shortcomings, prompting repeated protests and representations to the authorities.
According to residents, rainwater regularly stagnates in the inner prakaram (inner corridor) of the temple, making it difficult for devotees to circumambulate the shrine. They said granite flooring was required in the inner prakaram to prevent water stagnation and improve accessibility. However, HR&CE officials have proposed laying granite flooring only in the outer prakaram, citing the original estimate.
Villagers argued that the outer prakaram was surrounded largely by agricultural fields and was rarely used by devotees. They said laying granite flooring in that area would serve no practical purpose, while the inner prakaram, where devotees actually walk, would remain unsafe and inconvenient, especially during the monsoon.
Residents also objected to a proposal to dig an agazhi (moat or pond) around the temple. They said maintaining such a structure would be difficult for the village, posed safety risks to children, and was unnecessary given the temple’s limited income. They demanded that funds earmarked for the moat be diverted instead to essential repairs within the inner prakaram, including flooring and the restoration of damaged doors and entrances.
Villagers stated that while they were not opposed to renovation work itself, they had informed officials that works carried out in unused areas would not benefit the temple or devotees. They alleged that officials responded by saying they were authorised to carry out only the works specified in the estimate and could not alter the plan.
Another resident stated stated that senior officials, including an Assistant Director (AD), had visited the site, heard the villagers’ concerns, and assured them they would return, but no concrete changes had followed so far.
Villagers said they would not permit granite flooring or other works to be carried out in the outer prakaram and reiterated that renovation should be undertaken only in areas that directly benefit devotees and ensure safety within the temple.
900 ஆண்டுகள் பழமையான ஜம்புநாதசுவாமி திருக்கோயில் .. 45 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மதிப்பீட்டில் நடைபெறும் திருப்பணிகள்.. கிராம பொதுமக்கள் எதிர்ப்பு.. காரணம் என்ன?#Thanjavur #JambunathaSwamyTemple #TNGovt #TamilNews #Newstamil #Newstamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/FZSMi2aBpn
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 22, 2026
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