The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has faced severe criticism from temple activists following its summons to temple chief archakas (priests) and poojaris for a review meeting. The controversy stemmed from the mention of ‘famous important temples’ in the summons, which raised concerns about whether the department views Hindu temples merely as revenue-generating entities. Activists questioned the department’s authority, as the legislation does not grant them the power to call archakas to meetings.
In a letter dated 27 December 2024, the Commissioner of HR&CE issued a notice stating, “A review meeting will be held at the Commissioner’s office on 04.01.2025, chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. In this regard, subordinate officers are instructed to ensure the attendance of Chief Priests from the prominent temples across all Joint Commissioner zones for the review meeting on 04.01.2025 at 10:00 AM. Additionally, the concerned Zonal Joint Commissioners and Temple Executive Officers are required to be present at the Commissioner’s office. Zonal Joint Commissioners must ensure the participation of the Chief Priests from important temples without fail. Zonal Joint Commissioners are also requested to complete the attached form with details of the Chief Priests attending the review meeting and email it before 01.01.2025.”
Who Is @tnhrcedept to ask poojaris and archakas for a meeting?!
What does hr&ce to do with the poojaris/archakas?!@tnhrcedept can only supervise the financial adminstration of temples which are you be administered by trustees.
So no poojaris/archakas must go to this meeting,… pic.twitter.com/EAhkH6E4vz
— Rangarajan Narasimhan (@OurTemples) January 3, 2025
This letter from the HR&CE has been criticized for indirectly making participation in the review meeting mandatory for the archakas, rather than simply requesting their attendance. By pressuring Zonal Commissioners and Temple Executive Officers to ensure their participation, the letter has sparked controversy.
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