Source: HPI
CHIDAMBARAM, INDIA, April 1, 2010: After the hostile takeover of the famed Siva Temple at Chidambaram one year ago by the Government of Tamil Nadu, devotees report great improvements in the temple. They say 11 brand new hundis (collection boxes) have been installed at various locations throughout the temple. Previously, all donations were given directly to the priests. The income, running to some five lakh rupees per month (US$11,000) is used to pay government employees and supervisors to collect and count the hundi money. A separate group has been hired to polish the hundis.
As yet, no other visible improvement to the temple can be seen. But devotees are impressed with the efficient use of the hundis. “They are so shiny, really a nice improvement,” Mrs. Pillai from Chennai said.