Yoga, meditation to be taught in TN temples

Chennai, Apr 25 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to teach yoga and meditation in selected temples in the State, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister K R Periakaruppan announced in the State Assembly today.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for his department, he said yoga and meditation teaching programme would be started in 50 temples, which had facilities to conduct the classes.

Arrangements would be made for practicing yoga and meditation in these temples in the morning hours, the Minister said, adding that the government also proposed to open libraries in selected temples.

To begin with, the libraries would be set up in 100 temples for the benefit of devotees. Spiritual books and magazines would be made available in the libraries. The Government would also donate such books and magazines to Hindu temples in foreign countries, he added.

Stating that one time pooja was being performed in 10,947 temples in the State, Mr Periakaruppan said the Government proposed to cover the remaining 1,567 temples at a cost of Rs four crore.

Referring to the recent theft in the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore here, he said the police had stepped up an investigation and the culprit would be nabbed soon. As Rs 7,500 in cash was left untouched, it does not appear that the miscreant had broken the hundi with an intention to loot money, he added.

Justifying the Government's move to take over temple lands owned by local farmers, the Minister said the Government required few acres of land near the temples for creating facilities for the devotees. It would, however, protect the interests of farmers by providing alternate lands or adequate compensation, he added.

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