In a striking act of devotion and defiance, a 65-year-old retired soldier from Tamil Nadu has donated his property worth ₹4 crore to a temple, citing harassment from his children over the inheritance. The donation came to light during an inspection of the temple treasury.
S. Vijayan, a former army serviceman and resident of Kesavadasapuram near Arani, made headlines after gifting his house and land to the Renukambal Amman Temple in Padaveedu, Tiruvannamalai district. The donation included properties located near the temple, and was accompanied by a note expressing his decision to part with the assets after facing repeated pressure from his children.
“I will not change my mind. Even when I speak about my daily needs, my children insult me,” Vijayan told The Hindu. “After consulting with temple officials, I will legally transfer my properties to the temple.”
Vijayan, who now lives alone following a separation from his wife Kasthuri, a schoolteacher, said his decision was driven by his devotion to the goddess Renukambala and his strained relationship with his family. His two daughters are married and allegedly insisted he transfer the ownership of his assets to them.
The document confirming the property transfer was discovered during an inspection of the temple’s treasury. It included a statement that the property, valued at ₹4 crore, was being donated to the temple.
Upon learning of the discovery, Vijayan’s wife and daughters visited the temple the previous day seeking the return of the document. However, temple authorities declined, citing traditional practices that prohibit the retrieval of items once placed in the treasury.
The case has drawn public attention, highlighting the emotional and legal complexities surrounding inheritance and elder care in Indian families.
