500 temples in TN to be consecrated: Official

Kancheepuram, Feb 18 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endownments Department Secretary T Rajendran said 'kumbabhishekam' (consecration) of 500 temples in the state during the year.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Mr Rajendran said these included Maduri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Kallagar and Subramanyaswami Temples.

He also said the government had allocated Rs five crore for constructing temples in Adi-Dravida villages and renovation of old temples.

The government will also award prizes to students for writing essays or poems in Tamil to encourage the development of the language.

The world-famous 'Thirukural' will now be available in every room of hotels belonging to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

A sum of Rs 2.16 lakh had been allocated for Tamil language promotion in states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, he said.

UNI