A day after the proposed steep increase in charges for several services at the Tiruchendur Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple triggered widespread concern among devotees and sharp criticism from the BJP, TVK HR&CE Minister Ramesh has clarified that no fee hike has been implemented and indicated that the Joseph Vijay-led government will not proceed against public opinion.
The clarification comes after the Tiruchendur temple administration issued a public notice proposing substantial revisions to charges for several temple services, including Abhisheka Darshan, Shanmugarchanai, Moolavar Abhishekam, Nine-Time Pooja and the temple’s popular golden chariot procession.
The proposed revisions had sparked outrage among devotees, who expressed shock at the scale of the increases, and prompted a strong political response from Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran.
Proposed Hike Triggered Public Backlash
According to the proposal published by the temple administration, the fee for the golden chariot procession was to be increased from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000, while the mandatory deposit was proposed to be doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
The charge for Shanmugarchanai was proposed to be increased six-fold from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000.
Similarly, the fee for Moolavar Abhishekam for two devotees was proposed to be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹10,000.
The Nine-Time Pooja (Onbadhu Kala Pooja) charge was proposed to be revised from ₹1,500 to ₹6,500, while the associated deposit amount was proposed to be increased from ₹20,000 to ₹90,000.
The temple administration had also proposed a major revision to Abhisheka Darshan charges. At present, devotees pay ₹500 on ordinary days and ₹2,000 on festival days. Under the proposal, a uniform fee of ₹2,500 would have been charged on all days.
The temple administration justified the proposal by citing rising operational expenses and declining revenue and invited devotees to submit objections or suggestions before 5:45 PM on 7 July 2026.
BJP Opposed Move, Says Temple Services Must Remain Accessible
Reacting to the proposal, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran strongly criticised the move and questioned whether the objective was to improve temple revenue or make temple services inaccessible to ordinary devotees.
He argued that the sharp increase in charges for darshan and ritual services would disproportionately affect poor and middle-class devotees and would discourage participation in temple worship.
Nagenthran also pointed out what he described as a contradiction between the government’s promise that temple resources would be used for temple welfare and the proposal to substantially increase charges on devotees.
He urged the government to explore alternative methods of generating revenue rather than placing an additional financial burden on worshippers.
HR&CE Minister Says No Fee Hike Has Been Implemented
Amid the controversy, HR&CE Minister Ramesh addressed the issue and categorically stated that no fee hike had been introduced at the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple.
“There has been no fee hike at all. We have not raised the fees; no charges have been increased there. There are over 20 services offered, and the fees for all of them remain unchanged,” the minister said.
Explaining the circumstances behind the proposal, he stated that certain administrative irregularities had come to light at the temple.
“It came to light that there were certain administrative irregularities there. Officials had indeed considered a proposal for a fee hike, but the current step involves only seeking public opinion on the matter; prices have not actually been raised.”
The minister further acknowledged that misinformation had spread suggesting that the revised rates had already come into effect.
“Misinformation had spread in many places claiming that rates had already been increased, but the authorities are merely soliciting public views.”
‘If Public Opposes It, It Will Not Be Implemented’
In what is likely to be seen as a major climbdown by the administration, Ramesh indicated that the proposal would not move forward if devotees opposed it.
“If the public advises against the hike, it will not be implemented. This government will not make any decision contrary to public opinion and will act strictly in accordance with the people’s wishes,” he said.
The minister reiterated the position during a separate press interaction, stating:
“There has been no increase in darshan fees at the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple. There are over 20 services offered there, and all of them continue to be provided at the existing rates.”
Temple Renovation And Kumbabishekam Plans
During the interaction, Ramesh also highlighted the government’s broader plans for temple administration across Tamil Nadu.
He said the HR&CE Department was undertaking preparatory work to conduct Kumbabishekam ceremonies in temples where consecration had not yet taken place and was preparing a list of neglected and dilapidated temples requiring restoration.
“We are undertaking preparatory work to conduct Kumbabishekam ceremonies at temples across Tamil Nadu where the ritual has not yet been performed. Similarly, under the administration of Chief Minister Vijay, we will renovate temples that have fallen into disrepair and neglect, perform their consecration, and restore them for worship,” he said.
The minister added that temples where worship was not currently taking place would also be revived and brought back into regular religious use.
While the temple administration’s proposal technically remains open for public consultation until 7 July, the minister’s remarks have been widely interpreted as a signal that the Joseph Vijay government is unlikely to proceed with the controversial fee hike in the face of public opposition.
For the BJP, which mounted a sustained campaign against the proposal, the government’s clarification is likely to be viewed as a political victory and evidence that public pressure forced the administration to retreat from the planned increase in temple service charges.
திருச்செந்தூர் கோவிலில் சேவை கட்டண உயர்வு இல்லை.
தவெக அரசு திட்டமிட்ட கட்டண உயர்வை பாஜக தலைவர் @NainarBJP கண்டித்ததை தொடர்ந்து அரசு பின்வாங்கியது.
இது பாஜகவுக்கு கிடைத்த வெற்றி.
அமைச்சரே @RameshOffcl திருச்செந்தூர் கோவிலில் நீங்கள் ஆய்வு செய்து கண்டுபிடித்த முறைகேடுகள் என்ன… https://t.co/tBeSJmKAc9 pic.twitter.com/h9JPbcaevx
— Selva Kumar (@Selvakumar_IN) June 24, 2026
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