Temples increase prasadam prices

Srikakulam: Prices for prasadams at all temples which are under control of endowments department across the state would be increased shortly. In the wake of increase in prices of rice, oil, pulses and other ingredients of prasadams owing to introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the government has decided to raise prasadam prices to ease burden on temples regarding preparation and preservation of prasadams.

Endowments commissioner issued orders to executive officers (EOs) of all temples through concerned the regional joint commissioners (RJCs), deputy commissioners (DCs) and assistant commissioners (ACs) two days ago. Following this, EOs of all temples are taking steps for increasing the prices of prasadams like laddu, tamarind rice (pulihora), etc.,

At Sun God temple at Arasavalli in the district, prasadams prices have been raised and the new rates will come into force soon. Currently, the price of a packet of tamarind rice is Rs 5 and now it has been doubled to Rs 10. Similarly, cost of laddu has been increased to Rs 15 from the current Rs 10.

“We have received orders from our RJC to increase prices of prasadams at all temples,”said endowments deputy commissioner of Visakhapatnam N V S N Murthy told The Hans India on Friday. Temples in six districts from Srikakluam to Krishna are under the purview of Rajamahendravaram regional joint commissionerate.

Prices of prasadams in Sri Mukhalingam, Kotadurgamma, Yendala Mallikarjuna Swamy and other temples in Srikakulam district have been increased and new prices will be implemented soon, said endowments assistant commissioner of Srikakulam V Shyamala Devi.