KERALA, INDIA, May 15, 2014 (Times Of India): [HPI Note: The logic behind the advisor’s recommendation is not explained in this widely circulated article and remains something of a mystery.]
The best graduates from IITs and IIMs dream of the salary amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam has recommended for head priests of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. In his report to the Supreme Court on management of the temple, which shot into the limelight after wealth estimated at US$17 billion was discovered, Subramaniam listed the hierarchy of priests with thantris at the top followed by periyanambi, panchakavyathunambi, thakkadam and thiruvambadi nambis. He said the thantris should be paid US$8,500 (rupees five lakh) per month.
Starting with the thantris, the amicus said none of the four main priests reside within the temple complex. This is because their earnings from conducting rituals in the temple were meagre which forced them to perform rituals outside. He said their residential quarters too were in dilapidated condition. “It is submitted that an amount that is proportional to the stature of the thantris should be fixed by the temple authorities, preferably a sum of $8,500, to be paid according to the directions of the (head) thantri,” the report said.
Subramaniam said the salaries of the four periyanambis, the high priests who maintain celibacy during their tenure in the temple to perform archana and offer worship to the deity, was worse. “The salaries of nambis are very low, around $213 per month and they are not entitled to emoluments being temporary staff,” he said and provided a graded salary structure for them as per their status in the conduct of rituals in the temple. The amicus recommended to the apex court that “archana commission can be fixed at 7% after consultation with the temple authorities and the salary of the periyanambi should be around $1,500 per month”. “The panchakavyathunambi should be paid $1,365 per month as salary while thakkadam and thiruvambadi nambis should receive $1,025 per month,” he said.
More information in this article:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Amicus-Curiae-for-Huge-Pay-Hike-to-Priests-Temple-Staff/2014/04/30/article2197135.ece