A Temple of Love is a children's orphanage and a senior citizen's home located in Ponneri in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a registered charity (Regd No. 1487/2001) and has been functioning for the past 8 years. Its founder Mr. R.Dayanidhi is a professional gardener.
There are 45 children of whom 16 are girls. The youngest is aged 1 1/2 years. The main home is run under a thatched shed (10' x 15'). The boys are seperated from the girls. The girls stay in a building next to the main home. Mr. Dayanidhi and his family also live within the home.
He has installed 3 fans out of his savings to bear the summer heat. To avoid seepage through the roof during the monsoons a new building has been completed. This was made possible through the donation by a few kind donors. The homely atmosphere instilled in the residents by Mr. Dayanidhi has brought the young and the aged together. There are regular socio-cultural and sporting events. The participation of city celebrities in these events enables the home's residents to get a feeling of belonging to the larger world. The local government hospital provides free medical services.
Recently a patron - Mr. A.S. Narasimhan visited them. He was so much moved by the simpleness of the residents that he immediately donated some cash for a much needed on-site Housing Project. He also proposed and requested Mr. Dayanidhi to adopt the name - A Temple of Love.