HR and CE department launches idol survey in 4,000 temples

Temples in Salem, Namakkal, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts to be covered in 10 days

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department has launched a survey of idols in the 4,000-and-odd temples in the Salem region.

The initiative was following the unearthing of yet another idol smuggling racket and recovery of a large number of idols stolen from the temples across the State.

The Commissioner of HR and CE has directed the regional commissionerates to conduct survey in all the small and big temples attached to the HR and CE to ensure the presence of all idols.

On the direction of K.S. Mangayarkarasi, Joint Commissioner of HR and CE, Salem, officials of the department have been visiting various temples spread over in the districts of Salem, Namakkal, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri and are verifying the presence of idols with the register books.

More than 4,000 temples are attached to the HR and CE Department in these four districts. The survey work is expected to last for about 10 days.

Ms. Mangayarkarasi said that theft of about 10 idols has been reported in the HR and CE temples in these districts in the last four years. The respective temple authorities have promptly preferred complaints with the police.

The initiative follows recovery of a large number of idols stolen from the temples across the State