Temple activist TR Ramesh has expressed serious concern over a recent e-tender issued by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department for renovation works at the ancient Arulmigu Kalamegaperumal Temple in Thirumohur, Madurai. The tender, estimated at ₹2.67 crores, calls for the renovation of all vimanams (temple towers), construction of a stone Vahana Mandapam, Madapalli (temple kitchen), store room, Salai Gopuram, and cut stone flooring around the praharam (circumambulatory path).
Ramesh questioned the need for such extensive works when the temple had already undergone major renovations just two years ago and is reportedly in good condition. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he highlighted the temple’s historical and spiritual importance as one of the 108 Divya Desams in the Srivaishnava tradition and emphasized that it is over 1,000 years old.
He raised critical questions:
- Why is there a fresh tender for ₹2.67 crores so soon after recent renovations?
- Was approval obtained from the Director of the State Archaeology Department, as legally required for heritage temples?
- Did the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conduct an inspection and issue a report, as mandated by a Madras High Court Division Bench ruling?
Ramesh also alleged that the HR&CE department is notorious for mismanagement and financial irregularities, and claimed the Executive Officer currently overseeing the temple lacks a valid appointment order. He warned that the new tender could be a cover for misappropriation of public funds under the guise of renovation.
“This department, controlling temples without legal authority, seems to be using sanctioned funds for possibly unnecessary works. It raises serious red flags about misuse in the name of temple upkeep,” Ramesh wrote, urging transparency and accountability from the authorities.
Sri Kalamega Perumal Temple – Tirumohur – near Madurai – one of the 108 Srivaishnava Divyadesams – An ancient temple of great heritage.
As usual – an Executive Officer of the @tnhrcedept – a Department known for large scale frauds – is functioning in this temple without any… pic.twitter.com/n3BNhajsGH
— trramesh (@trramesh) April 16, 2025
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