Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Over 1,000 temples set to get a facelift


Annadhanam scheme to be extended to 50 more shrines
As many as 1,006 temples have been selected for renovation and consecration in the next financial year, Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam announced in the Budget on Monday.
An identical number of temples were renovated and consecrated in 2011-12.
The Annadhanam scheme, a brainchild of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, which is being implemented in 468 temples, will be extended to 50 more temples during 2012-13. The kitchens of temples where this scheme is implemented will be modernised to provide hygienic food to devotees.
Besides, he said, the Chief Minister had ordered that the duration of annadhanam at the Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple, Srirangam, and Dandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, would be virtually throughout the day — from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A view of the Srirangam Temple where the government prepares to extend the duration of the Annadhanam scheme. Photo: S.R. Raghunathan
Ongoing works
Referring to ongoing works, he said that the construction of a yatri niwas at Srirangam, estimated to cost Rs.25 crore, was in progress. A cable car would be provided at the Palani temple.
Special initiative
“As another special initiative, the Chief Minister has ordered the conduct of spiritual and moral classes on all Saturdays in important temples to make our children imbibe the high moral and ethical values enshrined in our ancient literature.” The children would be provided with snacks during such classes and awards be distributed to those who excel.
The Minister announced that the Special Revenue Units and Revenue Courts would be further strengthened for the speedy retrieval of temple property and settling disputes with regard to temple lands.
Tamil development
In addition to the number of awards already instituted, two more awards — Kapilar Award and U.Ve.Sa Award — would be given to eminent Tamils scholars and Tamil Thaai Award presented to Tamil organisations rendering yeoman service for the development of Tamil.
The renovation of the Kamarajar Mandapam at Kanyakumari and Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam in Chennai will be taken up next financial year.

Friday, March 2, 2012

TN Tourism to launch 10 special tour packages

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited will soon launch 10 special tour packages in an attempt to give tourists visiting Tamil Nadu a chance to experience religious architecture and soak them in divine fervour in Hindu religious sites in the state. 

Carrying forward the idea of launching a one-day tour to all important temples in the state as announced by Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Gokula Indira in the state Assembly last year, TTDCL has come up with 10 special packages that includes visits to notable religious sites in the state. 

The packages include a tour to nine Nagarathar temples in Sivaganga district -Illaiyathangudi, Illupaikudi,Iranikoil, Mathur, Nemam, Pillaiyarpatti, Soorakudi, Vairavankovil, and Velangudi temples near Karaikudi. 

Another tour includes visit to Divya Desam temples in Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts and a tour to Thirukkadaiyur temple in Nagapattinam district. 


TTDCL also has tours to Yelagiri Hills and Kolli Hills for those interested in hiking and trekking. 

Another interesting package in the bouquet of tours is exclusively organised around places that held importance during the nation's freedom struggle. 

Named 'Freedom Fighters' Circuit Tour,' it takes tourists around places associated with the freedom struggle and memorials and birthplaces of freedom fighters from the state. 

These packages will be launched this month, going by the government order passed on February 29 in this regard, TTDC sources said. 

PTI 
http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/tn-tourism-to-launch-10-special-tour-packages_761698.html