The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department is set to conduct the consecration of the Arulmigu Veerateeswari Temple in Pariyalur village, near Tharangambadi in Mayiladuthurai district, on August 30. This event marks a significant milestone, as it will be the 2,000th temple consecration since the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government came to power, according to HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu.Minister Sekar Babu highlighted the department’s extensive work under the current DMK regime. “The HR&CE department has undertaken a total of 20,649 works in 9,415 temples across Tamil Nadu, with a budget allocation of Rs 5,351 crore. Out of these, 8,276 works have been successfully completed,” he said. The minister noted that the department’s efforts have garnered widespread appreciation from various sections of society.
Speaking on the upcoming event, the minister remarked, “The consecration of the Veerateeswari temple in Pariyalur will create history as it is the 2,000th consecration under the present DMK regime.”
However, the celebrations have not been without controversy. Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani has voiced strong criticism of the HR&CE department and the recently held Muthamizh Murugan Manadu in Palani. Veeramani expressed concerns over a resolution passed at the conclave that proposed the introduction of Kanda Sashti songs and religious courses in educational institutions run by the HR&CE department. He accused the department of attempting to “saffronise” the curriculum, arguing that it could lead to the imposition of religious practices in a secular educational environment.
Veeramani’s critique was echoed by leaders from the ruling party’s allies, who also expressed their displeasure at what they perceived as a push to integrate religious elements into the curriculum of HR&CE-run schools and colleges.
The upcoming consecration of the Veerateeswari Temple is thus occurring in a complex environment, where significant achievements by the HR&CE department are being celebrated amidst rising concerns about the intersection of religion and education.