Renovation Notice Sample Letter: Fill & Download for Free

It’s important for home buyers to understand that a mortgage commitment letter in NYC does not guarantee that the bank will fund your loan.As you will see from the NYC mortgage commitment letter sample below, there are many contingencies in place for the bank to revoke its loan commitment to you. If you’re about to submit an offer and deciding whether to waive the mortgage contingency, it’s important to understand what a mortgage commitment letter entails and how much assurance a loan commitment offers you in the first place.What does a NYC mortgage commitment letter sample look like?This is an example of a standard mortgage loan commitment letter that would be issued to a New York City condo or co-op apartment buyer. There are additional sections in this NYC mortgage commitment letter sample you should review such as Commitment Conditions.MORTGAGE LOAN COMMITMENTBorrower Name(s):Borrower Mailing Address:Lender:Property Address:Type of Property: [Condo, Co-op, etc.]Commitment Expiration Date:Date:It is a pleasure to notify you that your application for a mortgage loan has been approved subject to the following matters set forth below and on pages 2 and 3.INSTRUCTIONSPlease sign, date and return Lender’s copy of this Commitment, along with any required fees and items requested, to the Lender at the following address, within 15 days of the date hereof, or at the option of Lender, this Commitment shall become null and void. Should you have any questions, please contact:This approval is not a final commitment. Due to the fact that interest rates are subject to change without notice, your approved payment and loan amount may change if interest rates increase or decrease.EFFECTIVE DATE AND COMMITMENT FEEThis commitment will become effective upon compliance with the terms herein and, if applicable, the receipt of your check in the amount of any non-refundable commitment fee (“stand-by fee”). It is understood and agreed that if this mortgage loan is not settled in accordance with the terms and conditions of this commitment, the Lender shall retain this fee as earned charges for the origination and approval of this loan.AMOUNTS, TERMS AND FEESAmount of Loan $[Amount]Initial (Contract) Interest Rate [Rate]%Loan Term [Number] monthsAmortization TypeBalloon Term (if applicable) [X] monthsLoan TypeLien Position 1st LienPAYMENT (P&I)Your initial interest only principal and interest (P&I) amount is $[Amount]. This amount does not include any escrowed amounts and may change if there is a change in loan terms.ESCROW[ X ] An Escrow Account is not required.[ ] An Escrow Account is required.Even if an Escrow (Impound) Account is not required at time of settlement, subject to the terms of your specific loan documents, the Lender may set up and require an Account should the taxes or insurance on the subject property ever become delinquent.EVIDENCE OF TITLEThe Evidence of Title is to be provided to the Lender and must indicate no liens, encumbrances, or any adverse covenants or conditions to title unless approved by Lender. The Evidence of Title must be issued from a firm or source, and in a form, acceptable to Lender. Borrower will be charged for the cost of providing such title and the cost of recording documents, all of which will be ordered by Lender unless requested otherwise.CANCELLATIONThe Lender reserves the right to terminate this commitment prior to the settlement of the loan in the event of an adverse change in your personal or financial status, or if the improvements on the property are damaged by fire or other casualty.REQUIRED ITEMS OR CONDITIONSAll Items Listed on the Commitment Conditions Addendum Apply.THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MAY APPLY TO YOUR LOAN DEPENDING ON THE LOAN TYPE AND TERMS.BALLOON MATURITYA balloon loan matures before the loan is fully amortized. The balance of the loan will be due in a lump sum payment at maturity.FIRE AND EXTENDED COVERAGE INSURANCEPrior to settlement, we will require an original insurance policy and/or binder containing fire and extended coverage (i.e., windstorm, hurricane, hail damages, or any other perils that are normally included under an extended coverage endorsement) insurance in an amount equal to the lesser of 100% of the insurable value of the improvements, or the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage as long as it equals the minimum amount (80% of the insurable value of improvements) required to compensate for damage or loss on a replacement cost basis through a company acceptable to the Lender, and a receipt showing premiums paid in advance for one year. The insurance policy shall also contain a standard mortgage clause in favor of Lender. We cannot require you to obtain a policy which exceeds the guaranteed replacement cost of the improvements securing the loan.If the property is new construction and you are not able to occupy the property immediately after closing, you will be required to furnish an original fire/hazard insurance policy or binder, including a Builder’s Risk Rider. If this is a renovation of an existing dwelling that will remain occupied, a Builder’s Risk Rider is not necessary.GOVERNMENT INSURED LOANSLoan Commitments issued for these types of mortgage loans, including, but not limited to FmHA, RHS, FHA, and VA, are subject to all the terms and conditions of the Agency’s commitment, or the VA certificate of reasonable value, as well as the rules, and regulations, and all applicable requirements of the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Housing Service, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and/or other state or municipal authority.FLOOD INSURANCEBy signing and accepting this commitment, you acknowledge that if the property securing this loan is in an area identified as having a special flood hazard you agree to these insurance requirements.Our policy, in order to best protect collateral interest, is to adhere to the more common industry practice of requiring flood coverage for the lesser of: the full 100% Replacement Cost Value or the maximum amount of insurance available under NFIP for the particular type of building; currently $250,000 per residential dwelling/condominium unit. A copy of the declaration page or application signed by the agent, along with proof premium has been paid, is required prior to closing.Flood insurance is mandatory now or in the future if this property has been or will be determined to be in an area which has a special flood hazard. Federal Law requires that flood insurance, available through any agent, must cover the lowest of: the outstanding principal balance of the loan[s]; the maximum amount of coverage allowed for the type of building under NFIP or the full replacement cost value of the building or contents securing the loan.TAX AND INSURANCE PAYMENTSMonthly deposits and initial deposits as determined by Lender are required to cover the payment of estimated annual real estate taxes, special assessments and, if applicable, FHA or Private Mortgage Insurance Premiums. Lender may also require additional deposits for hazard or other insurance if required for this loan. Such deposits are to be placed in a separate escrow or impound account.SPECIAL ASSESSMENTSIf required, all unpaid and future special assessment installments must be paid in full prior to, or at time of settlement.DOCUMENTATIONThe mortgage or deed of trust, note and other pertinent loan documents will be provided by Lender and must be signed by all applicants that are to be contractually liable under this obligation. Further, the mortgage or deed of trust must be signed by any non-applicant spouses if their signature is required under state law to create a valid lien, pass clear title, or waive unclear rights to property. Note: Samples of loan documents are available upon request.ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION LOANS.CONSTRUCTION LOANS: ONE PAYOUT AND MULTIPLE PAYOUTImprovements are to be built in a good and workman-like manner in strict accordance with plans and specifications furnished Lender and in compliance with applicable building codes. After completion, said improvements shall be approved by a representative of Lender and an occupancy permit shall be issued by local municipality. Any changes, whether they be additions, deletions, or alterations, of the plans and specifications, must be approved in writing by Lender in order that this loan commitment remain in effect.CONSTRUCTION LOANS: MULTIPLE PAYOUTEvidence must be submitted that the net proceeds of our loan are sufficient to complete the construction of the building, free and clear of all claims of Mechanic’s Liens for labor and material. All disbursements will be made upon the order of the borrower upon presentment of proper waivers of lien, subject to compliance inspections by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, or Lender, not to exceed 80% of the value of the work done. The remaining funds will be held back until the certificate of completion and/or occupancy certificate is issued.I (WE) accept the terms and Conditions of this Commitment and will notify Lender if there are any changes to the information provided on the application before the closing of the loan.Borrower DateCOMMITMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF LENDER BY:Take special note of the cancellation clause listed above. If you lose your job or suffer some other financial setback, the bank will have cause to terminate your loan commitment!What are some typical commitment conditions in a NYC mortgage commitment letter sample?This is an example of a some typical commitment conditions in a NYC mortgage commitment letter sample. Note the long check-list of tasks that must be completed in order for the lender’s commitment to be valid.COMMITMENT CONDITIONS(Attachment to Mortgage Loan Commitment)Borrower: The Closing Disclosure will be provided to you in advance of your closing indicating your loan terms and is followed by a government mandated waiting period before the actual closing occurs. Receipt of the Closing Disclosure does not indicate all loan conditions have been satisfied which must occur prior to closing. Changes of any kind that occur after the final Closing Disclosure has been delivered to you may result in an additional waiting period prior to closing.Borrower: This loan is also subject to all other lender specified conditions and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.Lender: Verification from the Lender’s Closing Agent / Attorney that a Recognition Agreement has been executed by the the Cooperative Board and received by the Closing Agent/AttorneyLender: Title to have Recorded UCC1 lien search at time of closingLender: Recognition agreements and stock certificate required at time of closingLender: This loan is approved for a maximum interest rate of — [ ]% (qualifying pmt)Lender: If the loan does not close by the expiration date of the credit documents which includes verification of employment, assets and credit, re-verification will be required. To avoid re-verification the loan must close by: [Date] (rate)Lender: Obtain a completed and signed Form 4506-T (written permission to request tax returns from the IRS) for all borrowers at and before closing. — ** rcvd prior to closing **Lender: Closing agent to verify borrower(s) identityLender: Fully executed and signed Social Security Administration release (form OMB #0960–0760)Lender: Loan was approved based on the following parameters: Debt to Income Ratio not to exceed [ ]%; Total Reserves required for Transaction are $[Amount] or 12mos (subject to change) plus closing cost & prepays of $[Amount] (subject to change). Required Liquid Funds for transaction can be no less than $[Amount]. If any of these parameters change, as required by product guidelines, the loan will be subject to re-underwriting.Lender: If the loan does not close by the expiration date of the following documents, re-verification will be required:Appraisal: [Date] Verbal VOE: [Date] Rate: [Date] Lien Search: [Date] Co-Op Approval: [Date]Lender: No subordinate financing allowedLender: Seller paid closing cost may not exceed actual costs, the maximum amount that can be paid is — $[Amount]Lender: No cash out to borrower(s) at closingNote that this hypothetical lender does not allow any subordinate financing. That means you won’t be able to take out a 2nd lien home equity line of credit at a later time. Please also note that if your purchase doesn’t close in time, the lender may need to re-do the underwriting process.Sample Mortgage Commitment Letter InstructionsCONGRATULATIONS!Your application for a [Bank Name] Co-op Loan has just been approved. Enclosed you will find a commitment letter which provides you with specific details regarding your loan approval. We urge you to read it carefully as it contains important information on the financing terms and the documentation that is required in order to close your loan.WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?You must sign the commitment and return it to us within ten (10) days of the commitment or before the expiration date, whichever is sooner with any fees specified. Please note that this commitment letter contains two critical dates. If you elected to lock in your interest rate and points there is a rate expiration date. If you do not close your loan on or before the rate expiration date, the terms and conditions will change.In addition, there is credit document expiration date. If you do not close your loan on before this date you will need to satisfactorily update certain credit documents in order for the terms and conditions of this commitment letter to apply. If your rate and points have not been locked, the rate expiration date will be established once you elect to lock in your rate. You must lock in your rate at least five business days prior to loan closing.Please read the commitment letter and riders carefully, as they contain conditions that must be satisfied prior to your loan closing. It is incumbent upon you to make sure that we are in receipt of all items listed. These items must be reviewed and approved at least three (3) days prior to loan closing. Again we must emphasize that you cannot close your loan unless all these items have been satisfied.We have notified the closing attorney for [Bank Name] of this loan transaction.Arrangement and instructions for closing your loan should be obtained by contacting the [Bank Name] attorney named in your commitment letter. A loan closing can be scheduled shortly after all necessary documents have been received by [Bank Name].The [Bank Name] attorney will be able to provide you with specific information regarding the following:-Closing Date-Closing Location-Prepaid Interest and Escrow Funds-Co-op Lien Search Requirements-Survey Coverage Requirements-Insurance Requirements (Hazard/Flood/Condominium/Co-op)We encourage you to have your attorney contact the [Bank Name] closing attorney to review the requirements. This should help to ensure that your closing goes smoothly.Thank you for choosing [Bank Name] for your financing needs. We are delighted to have you as a client.What are sample closing conditions in NYC?Dear [Borrower],We have received today from [Bank Name] a copy of a commitment letter for a co-op loan and will represent [Bank Name] at the closing. Please be advised that we cannot schedule a closing unless we receive confirmation that the conditions required by [Bank Name], prior to closing, have been satisfied and the conditions required at closing will be obtainable and brought to the loan closing.Enclosed with this letter you will find three copies of Recognition Agreements. The Recognition Agreement must be delivered to and executed by an Officer of the Cooperative Corporation. The fully executed Recognition Agreement must be delivered to our office prior to loan closing or it must be brought to loan closing. We will be unable to close a co-op loan without the original executed Recognition Agreement with the corporate seal.Enclosed with this letter you will find a Uniform Commercial Code Authorization Form. This document must be signed by each person who will be on title and promptly returned to our office. This document is necessary for [Bank Name], to obtain a security interest in the cooperative. Upon our receipt and/or confirmation of certain information i.e. section/block/lot numbers of the building same will be inserted in the financing statement prior to filing. Please be sure to note that the executed Uniform Commercial Code Authorization Form and the check required by paragraph 3 below must be remitted to our attention at the time you accept your commitment letter to a assure a timely closing.To ensure that [Bank Name] has a proper security interest, a Cooperative search of the appropriate records will be conducted solely for [Bank Name]’s benefit. The search will be ordered by our firm and will be reviewed and approved by our office prior to loan closing. Payment of the lien search must be remitted to our office at the time you send back the UCC-1 Authorization form. The cost of the search is $275.00 and the filing fee for the UCC-1 is $100.00. Please remit a check for $375.00 made payable to [Name] for the lien search and the recording of the financing statement.Unless paid prior to loan closing, all charges and fees due to [Bank Name] must be paid from the loan proceeds. If you call our office the day before loan closing, we will advise you of the exact amount being deducted from loan proceeds.The commitment letter has two expiration dates; one is the Commitment Expiration and one is the Rate Lock Expiration. The loan must close and funds must be disbursed on or before the earlier of the Commitment Expiration or the Lock-In Expiration. In the event the loan is a refinance transaction and it is subject to the required three (3) business-day right of recission it must close four (4) business days prior to the expiration of any applicable rate lock agreement.Please note that a closing cannot be scheduled until the following items have been completed:– We have been advised by [Bank Name] that all commitment conditions have been satisfied.– The U.C.C. -1 financing statement has been filed.– The co-op search has been reviewed and approved– We have a copy of the proposed Stock Certificate and the first page of the Proprietary Lease. At closing, the original Stock Certificate and Proprietary Lease must be delivered to [Bank Name] Closing Attorney.– We must be in receipt prior to or at loan closing of a blanket insurance policy for the co-op evidencing sufficient dwelling coverage.[Bank Name] requires at least two (2) business days to schedule a loan closing.We are committed to providing you with the highest level of customer service. If you should have any questions please feel free to call us at [Phone Number].Content courtesy of https://www.hauseit.com/nyc-mortgage-commitment-letter-sample/Disclosure: Hauseit and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

So the friend’s house was messy after having your child play there - oh dear. Should she ignore the kids to tidy up the house or have fun with them?I know people judge these things, we all do at some time. I might judge a house that is too perfect and in my mind I ask - where is all your stuff? Where are the magazines you’ve not read yet, the box of old letters, the coat you forgot to hang up, the pile of books you will read next, the shoes you kicked off under the table, the dishes not yet rinsed … you can be too neat.I know people judge me. I have a messy house. It gets cleaned, when I feel like it but life it too short for housework. I do a lot of art and craft work, my husband’s hobby is renovating - our house us a depository for tools, piles of books, plastic crates of fabric, samples of building materials … plus we have collections of art work, craft work, toys and children’s books.I find organised storage difficult because I want to see everything all the time. When we need to clear our big room for a family party, all the extra stuff in that room has to go into other rooms.We built the house ourselves - no, not with a builder - with our hands and our backs. We designed the house and I drew up the plans. We have wall murals, painted and mosaic, right on the wall. Our rooms are a little unconventional in their use, we only have one internal door, and if a spider makes a web in our high ceilings, I leave it alone.I can divide my family and friends into two groups - those who accept us as interesting people with a house full of surprises and those who wonder why our home does not look like theirs.I don’t care what they think.

Well, if you ask me, this word “Destruction” has a very wide meaning when it comes to Temples. Accordingly, I think, all of the following should get classified as “Destruction of a temple”:A. Poor Maintenance of Temple1. No timely ritualsFor any consecrated temple, to maintain its energy and vibrancy it is important that the process designed to keep the energy alive happens there regularly. Else the space will lose its vibrancy (unless the consecration is of a different nature).Now, to give you a small example how no timely rituals is one of the ways of destruction of the temple:Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, got its ‘kumbabishekam’ planned after a gap of 14 years. The first one was performed in 1948. After a long gap, the second one was performed in 1975 and the third in 2001.Sri Soundaryanayaki samedha Sri Satyavachakar Temple, located at Mathur village - This temple, about 1,400 years old, finds mention as a ‘Vaippu Sthalam’ in the ‘Thiru Kshetra Kovai’ composed by Saint Thiru Gnanasambandar, and in ‘Oorthokai’ composed by Sundarar, two of the great four Saivite saints. It is now more than 75 years since the last kumbabishekam was performed at this temple, which was in a dilapidated condition, with thick bushes and vegetation grown around it. The Lakshmi Theertham tank had also dried up and abandoned.B. Loot of Temple property1. Theft of idols:Not only the temples but also the idols in it are precious. Not only because it is ancient and is therefore priceless but also because the idol holds the power of consecration.Now see what is being happening to these (again these are only few drops from the ocean):In Athiswarar temple located in Thanjavur/ Vellore, at least 14 idols, worth several lakhs of rupees, were stolen raising questions over the safety provided for these centuries’ old shrines. Among the idols stolen, 13 were from a temple maintained by the Jain community near Thanjavur. One 3¼ panchaloha idol was stolen from a 90-year-old Krishna near Arcot in Ranipet district. The other idols stolen were dated back to some 300 years old.Then comes a report of theft of carved stone pillars from the Adikesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattar in Kanniyakumari district, which is one of the 108 Divyadesams. Investigations It revealed that an attempt was made to remove four antique pillars with carvings between 1992 and 1995. Of the four, two pillars were removed and stolen from the temple. They were illegally transported to Chennai. The temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures and ‘Otraikkal Mandapam’, made of a single stone, 3 ft thick. The ancient temple has a great heritage value, having inscriptions, copper plates, and sculptures containing its history.C. Temple properties mismanagementThe HR&CE department, which is responsible for ensuring smooth functioning of temples and ensuring that such incidents of theft etc. does not happen.Now read out certain cases where the HR&CE dept. showcased their irresponsible behavior (and they are often criticized for their unacceptable and ignorant behavior):In August 2018, a petitioner had approached the court with a writ petition alleging that the peacock statue that originally existed in the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore represented Goddess Parvati doing puja for Lord Shiva. The peacock, he claims, had a flower in its mouth. It was however, allegedly, replaced in 2004. The statue currently present in the temple, has a snake in its mouth, according to the complainant. The idol wing then began an investigation into the case where members of the HRCE Department were interrogated and asked to submit documents in connection with the statue to analyse if it has indeed been replaced. The HRCE Department replied saying that documents in connection to the statue have been destroyed. The Madras HC bench were shocked by the HRCE Department's stand on the matter. They condemned their reply and gave them a week to produce relevant documents. The court further warned them of severe action if it’s proven that the documents were truly destroyed. The judges pointed out that this was a severe allegation which will lead to serious consequences. They further added that the counsel for the HRCE Department had claimed earlier that they had the necessary documents.Another Additional Commissioner (Thirupani) was arrested for alleged malpractice in making a new panchaloha idol of Somaskandar in Ekambaranathar temple in Kancheepuram. It was alleged that temple officials had collected donations, including gold from devotees, to make new panchaloha idol of Somaskandar, comprising lord Shiva, Parvathi and Murugan, two years ago. It was said that the temple officials never kept any inventory of the gold collected and a devotee moved court alleging fraud. Later, a case was registered and the official was arrested. Also, The Idol Wing investigation department of Tamil Nadu police had arrested the former Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department who was facing charges of committing irregularities in using gold while making two idols at Kanchipuram Ekambaranathar temple . At the temple, gold meant for making Somaskandhar utsavar and suzhali utsavar were allegedly stolen. At least off 5.75 kg gold has been allegedly hived off from the Somaskandar idol of Ekambaranathar temple in Kancheepuram. Both statues were made of 114 kgs of gold. It is said the temple authorities collected 15 kgs of gold from devotees, but only eight grams went in for making the idols. When the two idols were measured in the presence of the Additional Judicial Magistrate, it was found out that the Idol of Somaskandar stood at two feet and weighed 110 Kg while the idol of Ezhuvaarkuzhaliamman stood at three feet and weighed 60 Kg. The idols are to be kept at the icon center inside the Kumbakkonam Nageswaran temple according to the orders of the court.D. Bad handling of and aiding encroachments:The atrocities against the temples have not ended yet. Now comes the turn of illegal encroachments, where people including politicians, have encroached the temple premises illegally and made it theirs. Instances mentioned below also highlight cases of misuse of temple funds.Here it goes:15 acres belonging to Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Mandir temple at Virugambakkam worth 400 crores was obtained by forged documents and in fraudulent manner by influential Muslims to build a Mosque in Chennai. Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Mandir at Virugambakkam in Chennai is more than 800 years old. It is administered by the TN Hindu Religious and Endowment (HR & CE) Dept. In 18th century, Sunguvar Brahmins had gifted 15 acres of land known as ‘Mettu Kulam’ (upper pond) to the temple for the purpose of distributing free water to devotees during the summer and other seasons. It was called as Thanner pandal Maanyam. Till the temple was taken over by HR and CE, it was managed by hereditary trustees who had not verified the documents to ascertain that it was free from encroachment. The illegally obtained records have been cancelled.Then came an UNESCO report where categorically it was stated – “Many historic temples across Tamil Nadu — in the care of the of the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department department — are now in ruinsThe officials of the HR&CE dept. issued repeated orders asking about 20 temples to part with the varying amounts totaling to 10 crores. This amount was supposed to be used for repair and renovation of the temples. These directives comes at a time when state have been closed due to lockdown orders of both Central and State governments. There have been hardly any incomes for them. The direction is in fact a criminal breach of trust directing to misappropriate the funds of a Hindu Religious institution, besides being violations of the due process of laid down in law and violation of the fundamental property rights bestowed by the Constitution of India on Dharmic Sampradayas or section thereof under its article 26.A devotee said in Madhavaram property worth Rs 200 crores belonging to HR and CE has been let out for a meagre rent of Rs 30,000 per annum. The agricultural lands measuring 10 acres in three different survey numbers belongs Pidari Amman Koil has in 2005 Master plan classified as residential category, but the same has been leased as agricultural land.Temple funds are being mis-used for developmental projects which are to be met by the government from its own resources. For ex - As per the (march 24 HR and CE report that Palani temple fund to be used to build check dam across Palar river and creation of new posts. Likewise Madurai Kalla azhagar temple fund 3.31crore was utilized to implement drinking water project.In many temples, there have been litigation filed in the court against the HR&CE w.r.t improper appointment of officials and executives not in accordance to the law.E. No incentive for people who take care of the temples· No respect or support for ArchakasSince 2005, Tamil Nadu has been enjoying the unique distinction of being the first state to pass a rule to employ individuals from all castes as priests. The HR & CE department also conducts refresher courses for the priests every year. However, there are complaints that only archakars, pattaacharyas and odhuvaars are allowed to attend this programme, and village temple priests (poosaaris) are excluded from the course. Others allege that around 70 per cent of the priests in village temples do not get salary on a regular basis, the only source of income for them being the money left by worshippers on the Archana (money offered for worship) plate. Their daily earning amounts to a meagre ₹300 per day. The interest earned from the deposit made by the government into the temple’s bank account is used only for its maintenance and not to pay salary to the priest. It is said that it is only due to the archaka (Priest) the deity form is filled with the potency of God. Needless to say the opposite that if there is no priest there is no God. Not everyone is blessed with the skills and capability to install and maintain the potency of God. This duty has been handed to the blessed priests in temples. There are more than 30,000 Hindu temples (Saiva & Vaishnava) in Tamil Nadu. It was brought to our notice that, most of the temple priests / Archakas are getting their salaries in 3-digit numbers in INR every month. (ex. Rs 750 per month. Though they are government workers – they get an unfairly low sum as wages around Rs.750 a month – a far cry from a decent standard of living needed in today’s economic conditions. Due to such a low salary, most of the temples in remote areas are manned by one person, the priest, who takes care of the temple’s upkeep besides performing puja. Thus, the current payment restriction doesn't seem to consider the amount of effort and man power required to maintain the temple. The Pension paid for the priest needs revision too. Currently, the priests are placed at par with sweepers and are below drivers in designation. This is totally unfair. Priests have to learn the Vedas for at least seven years and train in shastras for three years. The position of priests must be much higher and salary fixed accordingly.A case was reported in Tiruvaikavur is a village in the Papanasam taluk in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, where a devoted priest was beaten to death by a man (in a drunken state) belonging to an influential family in that region for not accepting to hold his wedding. Now why did the priest decline to hold the wedding – because he had taken an advance to conduct some other wedding at the same time much before these people approached him , which could not be cancelled at the last moment. And wait…it is not that that drunkard’s wedding did not happen – It happened well. Most political parties, had united in their appeal for the bail for the accused. On the other hand, there was no one to take care of the victim. The aged father had to pay for the medical expenses, post mortem and cremation. Fortunately there were some good samaritans to help. The Government has declined any compensation as Gurukkal was only a temporary recruit at the Thiruvaikavur temple.F. Poor Experience of Devotees· Poor facilities at templesArulmigu Kariyaramar Temple located in Karungali village in Yercaud taluk is an ancient temple where the tribal people of the area offer prayers. The temple is located in Shevaroyan South Forest Range near Kurumbapatti Zoological Park. This temple lacks the basic facility to be provided to the devotees and hence a letter was given to the Govt dept. to provide for the same.The temple town of Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu got thronged by lakhs of devotees from every nook and corner of India for a darshan of the Athi Varadar deity after a long gap of 40 years at the Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple. However, the poor facilities and crowd mismanagement made what was to be a pleasant experience into a severe inconvenience for the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities. According to reports, the district administration was unprepared for the crowds and did not heed to suggestions by devotees and residents of the area to deploy more personnel for management and provision of facilities. According to Puthiya Thalamurai, elderly devotees pleaded with the district administration for a separate queue, but have not received a response. As of now, the wheelchair facilities for pregnant women, persons with disabilities and the elderly have been provided only in the main temple premises, which means that they have to manage a 700m distance without any assistance. Reports of nepotism and abuse have also surfaced, with devotees alleging that the police officers on duty are more concerned with ensuring a darshan for their own family members and using foul language with devotees.Look at some of the pics of some once famous and thriving temples which are now in a state of absolute neglect and in a deplorable state :Baburayanpettai :Veerasolapuram_Ardanareeswarar :And let me tell you , these are just few samples…like this there are many many unknown temples which at once upon a time thrived and were a place of vibrant energies but are completely neglected today.These temples were built with strong energies and were consecrated by phenomenal beings which walked upon this planet. They were carved by incredible human beings who worked upon these temple architecture over generations with such dedication and commitment. In those times there were no machines available for building a temple like what we have now. People used their bare hands to carve out such magnificent beauties and build a temple which despite of so many calamities still stands strong today. I want you to imagine what kind of being they would have been!!Such temples which were built taking in the sweat and blood of our ancestors with the sole object that the future generations should be given an opportunity & benefit of these spaces where they can blossom to become a full fledged human beings. When the whole world did not even know what is architecture , our forefathers made these temples!!! Till today, people from different parts of the world travel in search of places where they can transform themselves into a better human beings…and we had all these spaces created right in our backyards!!!Its sad to see that we have not understood the importance of what we have been given. And more importantly, people sitting at the higher positions ,who can do something, are also such ignorant people.In fact, if you go to the locals, they are just waiting for the govt to hand over the temple to them so that they can take care of it.If govt has realized that they cant manage airlines, airports , business etc. and is pitching for FDI and privatization then I am asking why not privatize the temple also and give it back to the people to whom it belongs - devotees. I mean , from the pictures above its clear that you are unable to manage them isn’t it ?To manage temples , it needs enormous amount of devotion in heart. The one who sees the temple as a revenue generating source, such will be the state of the temples and going forward if the govt continues this ignorance , we will have no temples left!!!!To cater to this urgent need, many many devoted individuals have taken the task upon themselves . One such movement that I know of is the very recently launched nationwide campaign by Isha Foundation called #FreeTNTemples. All it requires is to give a missed call on 83000 83000. FreeTNtemples.org