Senior citizens in Tamil Nadu can now enjoy free spiritual journeys to Perumal Temples

The Government of Tamil Nadu has been implementing various spiritual programs effectively. As part of this, it has been undertaking spiritual works such as consecration of temples, retrieval of encroached lands of the Department of Religious Affairs, and maintenance of temples.

During the month of Aadi, the Tamil Nadu Department of Religious Affairs organized free-of-cost trips for devotees to Amman temples across the state.

The Department of Religious Affairs will arrange transportation for devotees from the district to visit renowned Vaishnavite temples. This initiative, aimed particularly at senior citizens aged 60 to 70 who are unable to make the trip during Purattasi, will offer free travel for 1,000 participants. They will be taken to temples in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Trichy, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Nellai, and other locations. Reservations are currently open, and the program will be implemented in the upcoming months of September and October.

The initiative will offer free tours to devotees to major Vaishnavite temples across various zones on the following dates: September 21, 2024; September 28, 2024; October 5, 2024; and October 12, 2024. 

In the Chennai zone, they will visit prominent temples such as:
Thiruvallikeni Arulmiku Parthasarathy Temple
Besant Nagar Arulmiku Ashtalakshmi Temple
Arulmiku Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

In the Trichy region:
Arulmiku Sundaraja Perumal Temple
Arulmiku Puntarikaksha Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai
Arulmiku Appakudathaan Temple in Koviladi
Arulmiku Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam

In Kanchipuram:
Arulmiku Vilakkoli Perumal Temple
Arulmiku Pandavadutha Perumal Temple
Arulmiku Devaraja Perumal Temple

Additionally, temples in Mayiladuthurai, Madurai, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli will be included in the visits.

Last Date to Apply for the Spiritual Journey:

To participate in the Purattasi month Perumal temple spiritual tour, applications must be submitted along with the required certificates to the Zonal Joint Commissioner's office by September 19, 2024.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be Hindu senior citizens aged between 60 and 70.

How to Apply:

Download the application form from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department website at [www.hrce.tn.gov.in](http://www.hrce.tn.gov.in) or
Apply in person at the office of the concerned Zonal Joint Commissioner.

Government of Tamil Nadu Schemes:

Minister of Religious Affairs PK Sekar Babu announced that the government is implementing several schemes to facilitate free spiritual journeys for senior citizens. These include visits to:

Rameswaram and Kashi
The Six Abodes of Murugan
Amman temples during the month of Aadi
Vaishnavite temples in the month of Purattasi
Manasarovar and Muktinath

These initiatives are part of the government's effort to support spiritual travel and provide grants for these sacred journeys.

Arrangements for Spiritual Tourism:

This year's Purattasi month Vaishnavite temple spiritual journey will commence from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, and Tirunelveli on September 21, September 28, October 5, and October 12. The government has allocated a grant of Rs 25 lakh for this initiative, which will enable 1,000 senior citizens to participate.