Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa has ordered annadhanam (free meal) to be provided throughout the day from 8 am to 10 pm at the renowned Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Srirangam, and Arulmigu Dhandayudhapani Swamy temple, Palani.
Announcing this in his budget speech on Monday, state finance minister O. Panneerselvam said the annadhanam scheme, being implemented in 468 temples across the state, would be extended to additional 50 temples during 2012-13.
Also, in an effort to provide hygienic food to devotees, kitchens at all the temples where annadhanam is being implemented would be modernised.
A cable car would be provided for the benefit of devotees visiting the Sri Dhandayudhapani Swamy.
Further, to imbibe in children the moral and ethical values enshrined in our ancient literature through stories, the chief minister has ordered the conduct of spiritual and moral classes on all Saturdays at important temples.
The children attending these classes would be provided snacks and awards would be given away to the best students.