Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments

Devotees can book special entry darshan, pooja sevas, golden chariot processions, and tonsure offerings online for over 50 major temples in Tamil Nadu.

Start online (fastest):

• Visit the official HR&CE portal (hrce.tn.gov.in↗).
• Click 'Temple Services' and select the temple (e.g. Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai Meenakshi, Samayapuram).
• Choose service: Special Darshan (₹50 / ₹100), Abhishekam, Golden Chariot, or Thulabharam.
• Enter devotee names, Aadhaar numbers, select darshan time slot, and pay online.

Digital e-ticket:

• Download the QR-coded digital entry pass on your smartphone. Present it at the dedicated online queue counter. You can also make direct e-Hundi donations online.

The HR&CE Department has mapped over 5 lakh acres of temple lands and commercial properties on a public searchable portal to safeguard temple assets.

Start online (fastest):

• Visit hrce.tn.gov.in↗ and click on 'Temple Properties'.
• Search by District, Temple Name, Village, and Survey Number to verify leaseholder names, acreage, and fair rent.

Paying lease dues:

• Tenants and lessees occupying temple commercial shops and farmlands can pay their lease dues online and generate official digital receipts.

Legal warning:

• Encroachment or unauthorized alienation of temple property is a non-bailable criminal offense under Section 79B of the HR&CE Act. Buyers must check ECs to ensure land is not temple property.

The Government of Tamil Nadu operates official Archaka Training Schools to train aspiring candidates from all Hindu communities as temple priests without caste discrimination.

Training centers:

• Shaivite and Vaishnavite Agama training institutions located at Madurai, Srirangam, Tiruvannamalai, Palani, and Tiruchendur.

Eligibility & benefits:

• Hindu youth aged between 14 and 24 years with a minimum 8th standard pass.
• 1-year full residential curriculum provided 100% free of cost.
• Free boarding, lodging, traditional attire, and a monthly stipend.

Curriculum:

• Rigorous training in Saiva and Vaikhanasa/Pancharatra Agamas, temple pooja protocols, and Tamil hymns. Certified graduates are appointed as temple priests in HR&CE administered temples.