a day ago
Aarti money dispute continues at Anjanadri temple
K
oppal: A dispute has emerged regarding the rightful claim to dakshine (offering money) placed on the aarti plate at Sri Anjaneyanaswamy Temple in Anjanadri, Gangavathi taluk.
Following a Supreme Court ruling, priest Vidyadas Baba was permitted to conduct puja from 6am to 8pm. During these hours, he solely manages the temple. However, there is uncertainty about the collection of monetary offerings placed on the aarti plate during deity darshan.
Previously, Vidyadas Baba served as the chief priest when private individuals managed the temple. The situation changed after the state govt transferred the control to the muzrai department through a notification on Jan 18, 2018.
Contesting his removal as unlawful, Vidyadas Baba pursued legal action. The Supreme Court recently issued an interim order, reinstating his authority to perform puja.
This development displaced the department priest. While Vidyadas Baba now conducts puja and receives offerings on the aarti plate, temple executive officer MH Prakash maintains that these funds should go to the muzrai department. However, as the court order lacks specific instructions regarding this matter, Vidyadas Baba continues collecting the offerings.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
California: Gov Will Cover Your Cost To Install Solar If You Live In These Zips
SunValue
Learn More
Undo
Recently, the executive officer, along with ASI Prakash, visited the temple and directed Vidyadas Baba that he is not allowed to use the aarti plate offerings. The Mangalaarti must be performed solely for those devotees who have an aarti receipt, he said.
Vidyadas Baba has opposed these restrictions and recorded the officials' statement. He questioned the additional constraints despite the Supreme Court's permission to perform puja and indicated his intention to report this to the court.
Hence, the question of who owns the money placed on the aarti plate has now become problematic. "As the govt provides a salary to the priest, the funds on the aarti plate are not his property. They are the temple's assets," explained executive officer MH Prakash.
Since Vidyadas Baba is functioning as a priest under a provisional order, he should not be classified as an employee of the muzrai department. "In this context, I depend on the offerings that land on the aarti plate for my income.
If I cannot take it, then who will compensate me for my services?" asked Vidyadas.
This issue has sparked dispute among the involved parties. Consequently, executive officer MH Prakash has asked the muzrai department to provide guidance on this matter. There are indications that the uncertainty will persist until a resolution is reached.
