E-Paper
10 priests of KV temple removed for charging extra money from devotees
The action was taken following the complaints against the shastris for seeking extra money (other than the prescribed fee) from the devotees, officials said.
Ten shastris (priests) of Kashi Vishwanth (KV)Temple were removed from the duty of conducting prayers at the temple late on Wednesday.
The action was taken following the complaints against the shastris for seeking extra money (other than the prescribed fee) from the devotees, officials said.
Divisional commissioner Deepak Agarwal cancelled the passes of 10 shastris which means that they won’t be able to conduct religious ceremonies anymore at the temple. Explanation has also been sought from two shastris and assistant public relations officer of the KV temple.
Divisional commissioner took action during the meeting of officials of the temple administration on Wednesday evening when he was informed that the temple administration received complaint that the shastris who are also known as “nishulk shastris” (priests who get rituals performed without charging any fee) demanded money from the devotees. There were also complaints of misbehavior against them.
As per the system, the devotees wanting to get a religious ritual performed have to pay a prescribed fee after which the priests perform the ritual free of cost.
“There is no place in the temple for any such employee, who tarnishes the image of the temple and does not work according to the dignity of the temple. Therefore, action has been taken against them. We will take action if complaints are received in future too,” Agarwal said.
Sunil Kumar Verma, chief executive officer of the temple congratulated the temple staff for doing good work during the month of Shravan that Hindus consider as pious.
