Under the Swachhata Hi Seva cleanliness programme, which famous Indian temple was declared the cleanest iconic place in the country?

Introduction / Context:
The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign is part of India's broader Swachh Bharat cleanliness movement. As part of this effort, several iconic places, including major temples and tourist destinations, were assessed for cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management practices. One temple stood out and was officially recognised as the cleanest iconic place in India. Knowing which temple received this recognition helps aspirants connect current affairs, government programmes, and famous religious sites in a single integrated general knowledge question.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question focuses on the temple declared the cleanest iconic place under the Swachhata Hi Seva programme.
• Options include Vaishno Devi Temple, Tirupati Temple, Golden Temple, and Meenakshi Temple.
• The time frame relates to awards and assessments done during the Swachh Bharat related campaigns.
• This is a factual recall question based on news and government recognition.

Concept / Approach:
The cleanest iconic place recognition under the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative was given to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple authorities and local administration implemented strong cleanliness measures, solid waste management, and public hygiene systems. To approach this question, candidates should recall major Swachh Bharat awards and which monuments or cities received them. It is useful to connect Meenakshi Temple not only with its architectural fame but also with modern cleanliness awards.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is about an award for cleanliness under Swachhata Hi Seva. Step 2: Recall recent current affairs where Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, was highlighted as the cleanest iconic place. Step 3: Review the options: Vaishno Devi Temple, Tirupati Temple, Golden Temple, and Meenakshi Temple. Step 4: Match your memory of the award news with the list and identify Meenakshi Temple as the temple that received this title. Step 5: Mark Meenakshi Temple as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification technique is to recall how cleanliness rankings were discussed in news channels and government press releases. While several temples improved their sanitation facilities, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai was widely reported as the first among iconic places in terms of cleanliness standards. Additionally, remembering that Madurai has been promoted as a model for temple cleanliness reinforces that Meenakshi Temple is the awardee, whereas the other temples in the options have different distinctions but not this exact one in that period.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vaishno Devi Temple: A very important pilgrimage site but not the temple officially named the cleanest iconic place under this programme. Tirupati Temple: Known for huge pilgrim inflows and good management, yet it did not receive this specific cleanest iconic place tag at that time. Golden Temple: Famous for its spiritual and cultural significance, but in this context it was not the selected cleanest iconic place. Meenakshi Temple: Recognised under Swachhata Hi Seva as the cleanest iconic place, making this the correct answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates tend to guess Tirupati Temple or Golden Temple simply because these are widely known, heavily visited, and appear frequently in news. Another pitfall is not following cleanliness rankings and Swachh Bharat related awards carefully in current affairs preparation. To avoid such confusion, aspirants should create short notes about key government awards, including recipients of cleanest city, cleanest iconic place, and related titles. Linking Meenakshi Temple with both architectural grandeur and cleanliness recognition will make this question easy in the exam hall.

Final Answer:
Meenakshi Temple was declared the cleanest iconic place in India under the Swachhata Hi Seva programme.