The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of major changes at the Annamalaiyar (Arunachaleswarar) Temple in Tiruvannamalai, including a hike in darshan and abhishekam fees, improved facilities for pilgrims, and a long-term ₹200 crore development plan to be rolled out over the next two decades.
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, speaking to reporters after a high-level consultative meeting held at the Tiruvannamalai Collector’s Office, confirmed that the fee for special darshan tickets will be increased from ₹50 to ₹100. The abhishekam fee is also set to be doubled from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
Sekarbabu stated that the number of devotees visiting the temple has been steadily rising, particularly on full moon days, necessitating infrastructural upgrades and better crowd management. He said new works and projects will be initiated with administrative approval to improve the devotee experience.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு.@mkstalin அவர்களின் நல்வழிகாட்டுதலின்படி, மாண்புமிகு பொதுப்பணி மற்றும் நெடுஞ்சாலைகள் துறை அமைச்சர் திரு.எ.வ.வேலு அவர்களுடன் இணைந்து இன்று (17.07.2025) திருவண்ணாமலை, அருள்மிகு அருணாசலேசுவரர் திருக்கோயிலுக்கு வருகை தரும் பக்தர்களுக்கான (1/2) pic.twitter.com/3nL3zJNAjn
— P.K. Sekar Babu (@PKSekarbabu) July 17, 2025
Break Darshan, Loudspeaker Alerts, and LED Screens
Among the upcoming measures are the introduction of a “Break Darshan” system to regulate and extend darshan timings based on crowd density. To aid foreign devotees and pilgrims from other states, real-time announcements during abhishekam and peak hours will be made via sound and light systems.
Additionally, LED display screens will be installed around the Mada Streets and key temple areas to broadcast live visuals of ongoing temple rituals. Plans are also underway to construct a new pilgrims’ guesthouse to alleviate high lodging costs faced by devotees.
₹200 Crore Vision Plan and New Appointments
A comprehensive ₹200 crore masterplan for temple development is being prepared with a 20-year vision, officials said. Minister Sekarbabu stated that work will begin by the end of this year. A board of trustees for the temple will be appointed as per High Court guidelines. However, he clarified that the ongoing absence of a board will not delay project execution.
To improve coordination for out-of-state and foreign pilgrims, a Public Relations Officer (PRO) will soon be appointed for the Annamalaiyar Temple. The minister also stressed the need for equal treatment of local and foreign devotees during darshan and said arrangements would be made to ensure a smooth experience for all.
Possible Mobile Phone Ban Under Consideration
The state government is also actively considering a ban on mobile phones within temple premises, Sekarbabu said, adding that a final decision on this will be taken soon after further consultation.
The review meeting was chaired by Public Works Minister E.V. Velu and attended by Additional Chief Secretary Manivasan, Endowments Commissioner Sridhar, Collector Dharbagaraj, and several senior officials.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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