Temples

News source: Times of India — In a landmark judicial development, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department informed the Madras High Court about actions to remove commercial shops that had been established inside the historic Nellaiappar Temple precincts in Tirunelveli. The HR&CE official appeared before the court and confirmed notices have been issued and steps initiated to ensure the protection of ancient monuments and sculptures within the temple complex, which dates back centuries and is considered one of Tamil Nadu’s architectural treasures. The move reflects ongoing attention to preserving temple heritage, preventing commercial encroachments from damaging priceless art and temple structure, and upholding the sanctity of the sacred space.

Though this article is part of a temple festival calendar, it highlights how temple events like the Kanthimathi Amman Temple Car Procession (scheduled for Oct 31, 2026) continue to shape religious, social, and economic life in Tirunelveli. The procession — where the decorated car carrying the deity moves through city streets with devotees pulling it — underscores the temple’s central role in community bonding, traditional worship, cultural performance, and even local business activity. The annual procession’s large participation reflects temple heritage as a living tradition that boosts tourism, commerce, and neighbourhood cohesion.