Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu manages and controls the temple administration within the state. The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act XXII of 1959 controls 36,425 temples, 56mathas or religious orders, 1,721 specific endowments and 189 trusts.
History
In 1923, the Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act was passed by Madras Presidency. In 1925, the Government constituted "The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board" consisting of a president and two to four commissioners nominated by the government to function as a statutory body. Subsequently, it was modified and in 1960 it became The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department by Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act XXII of 1959 which came into force with effect from 28 April 1960, with C. P. Ramaswami Iyer serving as chairman.Since 1991, religious and spiritual leaders have been involved in the maintenance and administration of the Hindu temples and charitable endowments. However, the maintenance and administration of the Jain temples are under the administration of Jain religious and spiritual leaders.
The act controls 36,425 temples, 56 mathas or religious orders, 1,721 specific endowments and 189 trusts.
The department's inception saw numerous companies managing their Public Relations and Social Media Management. Currently, the responsibility is entrusted to the Chennai-based branding firm, 7 miles per second, overseeing PR and Social Media Management operations.