Temple activist group Aalayam Kaappom have raised serious questions over the utilisation of temple funds at the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thirupparankundram, after information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that more than ₹1.23 crore was spent over five financial years on what was described as “ecological park maintenance”.
According to RTI details pertaining to the administration of the temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, funds were diverted from the temple’s accounts during the financial years 2017–18 to 2021–22 for “சுற்றுச்சூழல் பூங்கா பராமரிப்பு” (environmental/ecological park maintenance).
The year-wise expenditure disclosed under RTI is as follows:
- 2017–18: ₹23.68 lakh
- 2018–19: ₹23.82 lakh
- 2019–20: ₹19.90 lakh
- 2020–21: ₹23.82 lakh
- 2021–22: ₹32.39 lakh
The total amount spent over these five years comes to ₹123.61 lakh (₹1.23 crore).
திருப்பரங்குன்றம் சுப்ரமணிய சுவாமி திருக்கோயில் @tnhrcedept அ.நி. துறை நிர்வாகம் 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 வருடங்களில் கோயில் நிதியிலிருந்து தாரை வார்த்தது முறையே 23.68, 23.82, 19.90, 23.82, 32.39 ரூ. லட்சங்கள், ஆக மொத்தம் 123.61 ரூ. லட்சங்கள் சுற்றுச் சுழல்… pic.twitter.com/ZS7MDt1bkz
— Aalayam Kaappom / ஆலயம் காப்போம் (@AalayamKaappom) December 12, 2025
Now based on the information received, it is not clear where exactly this “ecological park” is located and what specific area is being maintained using temple funds. It is important to note that the Subramaniya Swamy Temple is not a corporate entity responsible for maintaining public parks in Madurai city.
It is argued that if the expenditure is being claimed for maintenance of forest areas on the Thirupparankundram hill, such areas cannot be categorised as “parks”. Even if forest maintenance were to be cited as justification, one can question whether temple funds can legally be diverted for such purposes.
Activists alleged that the accounting head used “சுற்றுச்சூழல் சுழல்” (environmental cycle/ecological rotation) itself indicates repeated circulation of funds and questioned whether this amounted to misappropriation of temple money through inflated or fictitious expense entries.
They also stated that, based on ground-level observation, there is no visible evidence of systematic maintenance of the Thirupparankundram hill area corresponding to the magnitude of expenditure shown in the accounts.
Temple Funds vs Hilltop Deepam Dispute
The issue has gained additional significance in the context of the ongoing dispute over lighting the Karthigai Deepam on the Deepathoon (stone lamp pillar) at the hilltop of Thirupparankundram.
It is alleged that while large sums from temple funds were being spent annually under the head of environmental or park maintenance as revealed in the RTI, the same authorities have vehemently resisted permitting the lighting of the traditional Deepam on the hilltop lamp pillar, which is considered a significant cultural and religious symbol.
They accused the authorities of effectively “hiding” or neglecting the Deepathoon, while continuing to assert administrative control over the hilltop area.
It is noteworthy that Justice Swaminathan had noted concerns regarding the failure to protect temple property, including the upper portions of the Thirupparankundram hill, which are traditionally associated with the deity Murugan (Subramaniya Swamy) and regarded as part of the temple’s heritage.
The activists questioned the authority of the HR&CE Department to file appeals against judicial directions aimed at safeguarding temple property and restoring traditional practices, particularly when, according to them, the department itself had failed to protect the Deepathoon and the hilltop area.
Activists of the organisation have demanded accountability from the HR&CE Department over the expenditure of temple funds, calling for clarity on the exact location and nature of the “ecological park” allegedly maintained, detailed break-up of works executed under each financial year, legal justification for using temple funds for such purposes, and the reasons for denying permission for traditional religious practices at the hilltop despite continued financial outflows.
They have asserted that the hill belongs to Thirupparankundram Murugan and that temple funds must be used strictly for purposes aligned with the temple’s religious, cultural, and heritage obligations.
It is noteworthy that the Madras High Court as well as the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court have issued judgements preventing the use of temple funds for activities that are not related to the temple.
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