Simhachalam Devasthanam in Andhra grows further in riches, increases service charge by notches

In an annoying move by one of the richest temples in Andhra- Simhachalam Devasthanam has increased the rates of temple services by notches. Despite the disappointment of the devotees, the temple authorities have increased the prices of some of the premier services by galloping rates. For instance, the swarna pushpa archana ticket will now be dearer by Rs 1,000 and has been raised from Rs 1,116 to Rs 2,116. Similarly, the price of ahasra namarchana ticket has also been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 200. The rate of kumkum archana has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 100.

The second most popular and rich temple in the state, apparently is not happy with its earnings. However, data state otherwise. The temple earned a revenue of Rs 22.06 crore in 2010-2011 and in 2016 and 2017, its revenue increased to over Rs 55 crore. 

Meanwhile, the temple authorities reason that the devotees won't be disappointed as the charges have been increased after decades. K. Ramachandra Mohan, the executive officer of Simhachalam Devasthanam, further added that the price hike will not hurt the sentiments of the devotees since they will get added facilities.

He justifies," Devotees who purchase swarna pushpa ar-chana tickets will have a darshan of the Lord. They can spend at least an hour in the garbhagudi (inner shrine)."

Inside sources, however, paint a different picture and say that this has been the case since 2008 when the temple introduced the pushpa archana, which cost Rs 5,000 then.But since the footfall fell because of high price, the charges had to be slashed to Rs 2,500 later. The price was further reduced tp Rs 1,116. The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu had also expressed his displeasure at the move. Earlier he had also voiced his annoyance at the poor facilities provided in the temple premises. 
 

• andhra pradesh
• south