Sunday Times (South Africa)
LAUDIUM, SOUTH AFRICA, February 27, 2005: When Priest Jagadeshan Sharma of the Laudium Sivan Alayam in 13th Avenue charged an undercover reporter US$17 to bless a car, the Sunday Times proceeded to write this article. The news release said, “This week Sharma admitted charging up to $1,726 to offer prayers for new homeowners. The prayers bestow protection and good luck. He also boasted about his fee structure whereby owners of luxury vehicles pay up to $138 for a blessing.” Sharma said, “People are building homes for $90,000 to $180,000, so they don’t mind paying so much.” Acting president of the temple, Santhan Pillay, said, “We don’t have a fee structure in place. People donate as they wish. We will investigate these allegations and take it to our executive committee as a matter of urgency. If necessary, disciplinary action will be taken.” Dr. Rajgopal Kolapan spokesman for the Pretoria Bhajani Mandram temple, said, ” Priests’ actions have to be sanctioned by the governing body. A priest should not act independently, and demanding any kind of fee is unacceptable. If a priest is accepting money, that is wrong. He is accountable, just like any other employee. Devotees, as well, need to catch a wake-up. Some buy favor with the priest and will pay $86 to “bribe” the priest or go as far as buying things for his house to get in the priest’s good books. Rich people also have to be responsible and not make it difficult for those who can’t afford large amounts.” Mickey Chetty, president of the SA Tamil Federation, adds, “The executive of that organization or institution needs to establish what is acceptable. People should donate voluntarily. What we need to do is look at a unified tariff when prayer goods are supplied by the temple. These exorbitant fees are problematic.”