New Wooden Chariot Construction Begins for Varadaraja Perumal Temple

What Happened?

Work on a new wooden chariot (ther) for the Arulmigu Varadaraja Perumal Temple, also known as the Devaraja Swamy Temple, began around 26 August 2026, at an estimated cost of Rs 4.25 crore.

Key Highlights

• Temple chariots (ther) are traditionally used to carry temple deities in procession during festivals.
• Construction of temple chariots typically involves skilled woodworkers and is funded through a mix of government and temple trust resources, often under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
• The estimated cost for this new chariot is Rs 4.25 crore.

Tamil Nadu Relevance

Temple chariot festivals are an important part of Tamil Nadu's temple culture and heritage tourism, and are administered under the HR&CE Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

3 TNPSC MCQs

1. The new wooden chariot reported in August 2026 is for which temple?
   (a) Meenakshi Amman Temple (b) Arulmigu Varadaraja Perumal Temple (c) Brihadeeswarar Temple (d) Ramanathaswamy Temple
   Answer: (b) Arulmigu Varadaraja Perumal Temple
   Explanation: The chariot is being built for the Varadaraja Perumal (Devaraja Swamy) Temple.
2. Temple administration and endowments in Tamil Nadu, including chariot construction, generally fall under which department?
   (a) HR&CE Department (b) Tourism Department (c) Archaeology Department (d) Revenue Department
   Answer: (a) HR&CE Department
   Explanation: The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department oversees temple administration in Tamil Nadu.
3. What is the Tamil term for a temple chariot used in festival processions?
   (a) Ther (b) Mandapam (c) Gopuram (d) Vimanam
   Answer: (a) Ther
   Explanation: 'Ther' is the Tamil word for the temple chariot used to carry deities during festivals.