Retired Soldier Donates Rs 4 Crore Property to Temple Amid Family Dispute

In a dramatic turn of events, a retired army jawan from Tamil Nadu has donated property worth ₹4 crore to a local temple after alleged emotional neglect by his daughters. The decision by 65-year-old S. Vijayan, a resident of Keshavpuram village near Arani, has left both his family and the temple administration stunned.

Vijayan, who has been living alone for the past decade following a separation from his wife, made the donation to the Arulmighu Renugambala Amman Temple. According to sources, his action was driven not only by devotion but also deep emotional distress caused by repeated disrespect and demands from his daughters for a share in his property.

In a note left behind, Vijayan stated that his daughters had pressured him to divide his assets and had failed to support him in his daily life. Disheartened and emotionally drained, he decided to part with his life's savings and offer them at the feet of the goddess he believes has stood by him during tough times.

The temple staff made the discovery on June 24, while conducting a routine inspection of the temple's donation box (hundi). To their astonishment, they found the original documents of two valuable properties—one a house and plot worth ₹3 crore located near the temple, and the other a land parcel valued at ₹1 crore. A handwritten note from Vijayan confirmed that the donation was made voluntarily.

Temple executive officer M. Silambarasan clarified that while the documents were a significant gesture, legal ownership cannot be transferred without formal registration. “Mr. Vijayan has informed us that he will soon complete the legal procedures to register the property in the name of the temple,” Silambarasan said.

Meanwhile, Vijayan's family members have reportedly begun efforts to halt the donation, possibly through legal means. Despite the opposition, Vijayan remains firm in his decision. “It is the Goddess who supported me in my darkest times. I am offering all my wealth at her feet,” he stated resolutely.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with many expressing sympathy for Vijayan's emotional ordeal and others calling for reconciliation within the family.