For last 5 years, Arun V (based in Chennai) & like-minded Dharmik Friends have been engaged in delivering Oil Seva to ~50 ancient Shiva & Perumal Temples, in districts of Mayiladathurai, Kumbakonam, Thiruvarur, Thiruvaiyaru, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore etc.

Utilizing a network of Oil merchants in Kumbakonam & nearby these temples, arrangements are made to deliver Oil packages to each Temple for its Pooja needs, every month.

While driving the oil support initiative, Arun & his Dharmik group realised the struggles involved in running and maintaining the ancient Shiva & Perumal Temples, on account of the limited resources at their disposal. Temple priests are paid pittance by Temple administrators & have to depend on the devotees offerings or contribution, for their survival.

Footfall in village temples is very low on most days and hence there’s very little income for the priest to run a decent living. Irony is the Priest still has to perform his daily rituals & poojas with all sincerity & bhakti, unmindful of the hardships.

Given the lack of institutional & financial support, the next generation of youngsters within the priest’s family are hesitant to continue this profession, which could result in acute shortfall of Agamic Priests serving village temples, in the next 5-10 years.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, there was an urgent need to provide full seva support to few temples, which would ease the burden of Archakars to run the Temple & provide them some relief. This initiative also involved bringing back Thavil, Nadaswaram musicians & Odhuvars to play & sing in Temples 

Joining hands with Arun in this full seva initiative are Ganesh V (based in Florida, US) & Dubai based Sivaramakrishnan, who have mobilized good support using their network of friends & family & have used every opportunity to highlight the challenges of Rural Temples & promoting their cause, within Indian & Tamil Diaspora.