Gold from 21 temples fetching over ₹17 crore as yearly interest: P.K. Sekarbabu

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) P.K. Sekarbabu said on Sunday that 1,074.12 kg of pure gold, belonging to 21 temples in the State, had been invested under the Gold Bond Scheme, fetching ₹17.768 crore as annual interest.

Speaking at an event to hand over 42.326 kg of gold belonging to four temples — Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kancheepuram, Murugan temple in Kundrathur, Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple in Thiruvidanthai and Sri Prasannaperumal Temple in Thirumalaivaiyyavur — to the State Bank of India in Kancheepuram, he said the interest amount was being used by the respective temples. A total of 378.619 kg of gold belonging to 18 temples was ready to be smelted and handed over to the bank, he added.

To a question on the constant quarrels between the Vadakalai and Thenkalai sects at the Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple, Mr. Sekarbabu said the department had nothing to do with the two sects. “They know everything. Ideally, they should come to an understanding and allow smooth conduct of festivals and pujas in the temple,” he added.