KURNOOL: Asthana barbers at Brhamaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam have started fleecing devotees who come to offer their hair to the God as part of fulfilment of their vows. The devout also bring their toddlers to the temple for their first tonsure.
The Brhamaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has employed around 120 barbers on contract basis. But most of these barbers are demanding additional money from devotees, who anyway purchase a ticket from the temple for tonsuring services.
Following complaints, temple executive officer Lavanna conducted inspections and suspended 12 barbers for taking money from pilgrims besides the ticket.
The EO says, apart from salary, the barbers are provided all required materials like blades and lathering agents. Yet the barbers have been pestering pilgrims for extra money. “This is unacceptable, as it is burdensome for pilgrims,” Lavanna maintained. He said the devasthanam pays Rs 25 for every tonsure that a barber performs.
The temple collects the tonsured hair and auctions them every year. The hair offered by devotees fetch the Brhamaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple between Rs 50–75 crore annually.
