Bengaluru, September 2025 — In a major initiative to preserve religious heritage and improve pilgrim experience, the Karnataka government has announced plans to renovate 34,000 temples and upgrade facilities for devotees across the state. The decision, confirmed by the Muzrai (Hindu Religious Institutions & Charitable Endowments) department, aims to address decades of neglect in many smaller and rural temples.
Vision Group to Oversee Restoration
To manage the mammoth task, the state has constituted a vision group comprising former legislators, senior bureaucrats, and civil society representatives. This body will act as a think tank to strategize the restoration, funding, and infrastructure upgrades for temples in the “C-category” income bracket, which often lack basic amenities.
Initially, the government had considered using a common pool fund by reallocating a portion of income from high-revenue temples. But that plan is currently on hold pending legal approvals. The vision group will explore alternative funding sources — including donor contributions, corporate CSR programs, and community involvement — to support temple renovation.
Infrastructure & Amenities Boost
Under the scheme, upgrades will include improved sanctum repair, compound walls, pathways, lighting, parking, restrooms, and better accessibility for differently abled devotees. Private temples and religious mutts will also benefit: the state recently increased grant limits for these institutions from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crores to expand renovation and infrastructure scope.
All state-run temples will display “No diversion of funds” signage to assure the public that donations will be used transparently for development and maintenance.
Political Reaction & Oversight
While hailed by supporters as a bold move for heritage preservation, the plan has also stirred controversy. Earlier, an amendment to tax temple income triggered backlash from opposition parties, accusing the government of encroaching on religious autonomy. That bill was ultimately defeated in the Legislative Council.
Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the initiative, stating that it is not a revenue grab but a welfare measure to uplift underfunded temples.
Looking Ahead
With the vision group now in place, the government aims to roll out pilot renovations within the next quarter. If successful, the scheme could become a model for heritage-driven temple restoration across India.
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