KUMBAKONAM, INDIA, January 9, 2006: (HPI note: To put this article in context, realize that the government of Tamil Nadu runs the temples where these priests work.) Temple priests in Tamil Nadu today demanded 50 per cent of the collections through offerings made by devotees and urged the government to fix their share on a monthly basis. The Tamil Nadu Archakars (priests) Community Welfare Association which met here today urged the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department to fix their share of the collections, made mainly through offerings like archanai and abhishekam (both special worship services for the devotee).
Thanking the government for announcing pension scheme for priests, they urged to release their lease arrears, salary and pension arrears and padi tharam (allowance) arrears at the earliest. The meeting also sought permission for the priests to retire when they wished and to receive pension from then on. The association said the HR and CE department should provide them their dues even when the government was not able to collect the lease. While filling up the vacancies, the dependents of the priests should be given priority, it further demanded. It wanted the experts on Agama (Hindu scriptures governing temple worship) to be consulted before taking any major decision regarding temple festival, worship or consecration. The government should also take action against the officials who violate the tradition and customs of the temples, it demanded.