The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Pilgrims to Annavaram sore

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Friday, Apr 04, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Pilgrims to Annavaram sore

Staff Reporter

Plea to continue the tradition of giving copper coin to devotees after Vratam

Annavaram (East Godavari): Pilgrims have expressed shock over the amenities in one of the important shrines-Annavaram Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Devasthanam-here. This is one of the class-A temples in the list of Endowments department and getting good revenue from pilgrims through daily `Satyanarayana Vratams’, marriages and other `Arjitha Sevas’. Every year about Rs.4.50 lakh Satyanarayana Vratams are being conducted in this shrine.

The main criticism is on a tradition and ritual in a temple in which most of the pilgrims are getting offended. Stayanarayana Vratam is most important ritual in this shrine. Above 90 per cent devotees will come to this place to perform Vratams only. Earlier, the Devasthanam used to give small copper coin with God and Goddess embodied on that. But from last two to three months, the authorities have stopped giving that coin and are giving only a thin paper on which the deity is printed. Secondly, Vrata Purohits (priests) are asking Rs.116 to Rs.516 after the completion of Vrathams as token of gesture. On this issue, one devotee approached the Commissioner, Information, under Right to Information Act to know about the tradition. As far as Vratam pooja articles are concerned there is a big uproar over selling of coconuts by private vendors at triple the rates than actual rates. And, `Patri’ (green leaves) being supplied to devotees during Vratam are in a bad condition.

Executive Officer V. Raghunath said that the availability of copper is not sufficient and as the cost is increased they are not in a position to supply copper coins to devotees.

He said that he is taking all steps to prevent Purohits from demanding money from devotees. On sale of coconuts, the EO said that they have arranged devasthanam shop on the back side of the temple, but display of the shop will be made shortly. He said that they will improve all conditions in a month or two.

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