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Chennai, Nov 9 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate a unique wellness initiative – “Special Temple Seva Scheme” – for senior couples aged 70 years and above at the historic Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswami Temple in Triplicane on Monday (November 10).
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Shekharbabu on Sunday said the scheme, aimed at honoring elderly devotees, is being launched under the guidance of Chief Minister MK Stalin, as announced in the state budget for 2025-26.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the spiritual devotion of 2,000 senior couples across 20 HR&CE Joint Commissioner Divisions. Each division will host a special temple service for 100 couples, offering them blessings, honors and traditional gifts as a symbol of reverence.
200 senior couples from the Chennai region will be honored in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister at the inaugural ceremony at Triplicane. Each couple will receive a traditional gift pack worth Rs 2,500 containing a dhoti, saree, haldi, kumkum, bangles, a mirror, fruits, betel leaves and a framed photograph of the temple deity.
“This scheme embodies our cultural ethos of gratitude and respect for elders who have dedicated their lives to faith and family,” Shekharbabu said.
He said the HR&CE department is planning to institutionalize similar wellness-oriented temple programs to strengthen the spiritual and social fabric of temple communities across the state.
After the main event, Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate newly constructed residential quarters for temple officials and staff at Triplicane. Built at a total cost of Rs 3.40 crore, the project includes Rs 2.05 crore for quarters for deputy commissioners and supervisory officers and Rs 1.35 crore for staff quarters. Officials said the new housing facilities will improve working conditions for temple employees and strengthen administrative efficiency within the HR&CE department.
The inauguration ceremony at Triplicane is expected to see wide participation from devotees, temple officials and local residents, marking another step in the state government’s ongoing efforts to link welfare measures with Tamil Nadu’s rich temple heritage.
–IANS
AL/DPB