The Madras High Court has ruled that no construction activity will be permitted near the Arunachalesvara Temple gopuram in Tiruvannamalai. The court also directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to submit a report detailing alternative sites for development.
This direction comes in response to several petitions challenging a 2023 order by the Tamil Nadu government, which had approved the construction of a ₹6 crore worth commercial complex directly in front of the temple’s Rajagopuram. Petitioners argued that such a project would obstruct religious festivals and impede the free movement of devotees.
During the most recent hearing on Thursday, the HR&CE Department informed the court that it has no plans to proceed with the commercial complex at the original location. Instead, it requested additional time to explore other options for providing amenities to devotees.
The court granted the department two weeks to file its report on potential alternatives. It also advised officials to consider whether any government-owned land located farther away from the Annamalaiyar Temple could serve as a suitable site for the complex.
In a firm stance, the bench made it clear that no construction whether on temple property or state-owned land will be allowed near the temple.
The judges further suggested that this is an opportune moment to consider establishing temple management institutions similar to Tirupati Devasthanams to oversee the maintenance of large temples in Tamil Nadu and enhance facilities for pilgrims.
The matter has been adjourned to 7 September for further proceedings.
(With Inputs From IE Tamil)
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