The Pune-based Sri Lord Venkateswara Religious and Charitable Trust plans to undertake the conservation and restoration of 10 ancient temples of historical significance in Tamil Nadu.

The project aims to identify old temples under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department that need urgent conservation and carry out work that preserves their architecture and historical character.

The ancient Vadivudai Amman–Thyagaraja Swamy temple at Tiruvottiyur in Chennai is among the sites studied. A shrine praised in the Tevaram hymns in the Tondai region, it has an important place in Tamil Saiva history.

The trust proposes to spend about ₹20 crore on three ancient temples in the first phase. Depending on each temple's condition and the conservation work required, the estimated cost is ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore per temple.

The proposed work will focus on preserving original architectural features, preventing damage from rainwater and seepage, scientifically conserving stone halls and other structures that have deteriorated over time, and applying chemical conservation methods where needed.

Specialists experienced in archaeology and historic-building conservation are expected to take part. Experts associated with the Archaeological Survey of India will assess the temples' current condition and help prioritise them according to conservation needs.

The Pune trust has previously funded conservation and restoration at several old temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, and at the Alampur temple group in Telangana.

Representatives of the trust and archaeological specialists have discussed the Tamil Nadu plan with officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. A team of experts has also visited the Vadivudai Amman temple at Tiruvottiyur to assess its condition.

The final list of 10 temples has not yet been settled. Although the Tiruvottiyur temple has been assessed, the names of the other temples have not been confirmed.

The final selection is expected to follow assessments of building condition, urgent conservation requirements and site visits.

Tamil Nadu's ancient temples are not only places of worship: they preserve the region's history, sculpture, architecture, inscriptions and religious heritage. Scientific conservation that does not damage their original character is therefore important to safeguarding this cultural record for future generations.