Wherever temples are with governments, it should ideally be left to the devotees. It should be managed by well-wishers in the place rather than be kept under the government’s control, says the FM.

Explore Tamil Nadus lesser-known historical sites that highlight the states rich cultural legacy outside of the temples. Discover historic mansions from the colonial era like Pudukkottai Palace, megalithic sites like Adichanallur,

Chennai: After a 54-year-old female elephant in a temple in Sivaganga district succumbed to burn injuries sustained from a roof fire, a group of activists have written to the Tamil Nadu government seeking an urgent plan to phase out live elephants in temples, and retire all existing elephants in natural facilities.

Animal protection groups of Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in South India and other parts of country have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to end the practice of keeping elephants in temples.