Day-Long Annadanam Scheme Launched at Chennai’s Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple

Tamil Nadu Government Expands Free Meal Initiative to Benefit Thousands of Devotees​

Chennai, May 17—The Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple in Triplicane, one of Chennai’s most revered shrines, began offering day-long Annadanam (free meals) to devotees on Saturday. This initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu government’s broader efforts to support pilgrims and enhance temple services across the state.

The scheme was officially launched by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, in the presence of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor R Priya, and other senior officials.

Expanded Statewide Implementation​

The new day-long meal service at Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple is among 13 temples now offering such extended Annadanam services. Notably, 11 of these temples were added in the last four years as part of the state's ongoing religious welfare initiatives. Additionally, 764 temples across Tamil Nadu already serve one free meal a day, collectively benefitting nearly 3.5 crore devotees annually, according to an official release.

Special Meals on Festival Days​

The implementation at Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple follows a government announcement made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. As per the plan, free meals featuring traditional South Indian dishes like vada and payasam will be served on:

• All Saturdays
• Purattasi month (sixth month of the Tamil calendar)
• Temple car festival
• Vaikunta Ekadasi

These events draw large crowds, and the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 82,000 devotees each year during such occasions.

This move reinforces the state’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions while supporting devotees with essential services at temples.