Portugal Colonial - Tamil Nadu Seeks Public Input on List of Agamic Temples

Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has invited devotees to review a list of Agamic temples identified by an expert committee and submit objections, corrections or proposed additions.

The State government formed the committee through a government order dated October 6, 2025. The action followed directions from the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court in litigation concerning the appointment of archakas, or temple priests.

The Supreme Court directed authorities to complete the identification of temples governed by Agamic traditions before proceeding to fill vacancies in non-Agamic temples.

The HR&CE Department oversees 46,341 religious institutions and endowments. The total includes 43,676 temples, 45 mutts, 80 temples attached to mutts, 1,216 specific endowments, 1,301 charitable endowments and 23 Jain temples.

The expert committee prepared a list covering 34,971 temples. Members of the public have 30 days to identify any entries they believe should be added or corrected.

A department press release issued in Chennai said submissions may be delivered in person to the office of the HR&CE Commissioner or uploaded through the department’s website.

C.Amaral--PC