The Trichy Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, one of the most renowned Amman shrines in Tamil Nadu, attracts thousands of devotees daily, not only from across Tamil Nadu but also from neighbouring states and abroad. However, recent allegations have raised concerns about mismanagement and corruption within the temple’s administration.
In October and November 2024, reports surfaced that employees and officials at the temple’s information centre were involved in irregularities related to offerings and annadhanam (food donation) contributions. Devotees claimed that receipts for their donations were either not provided or fabricated, suggesting possible financial fraud.
Rumors of mismanagement included tampering with donations involving offerings such as Thulabharam money (weighing scale), goats, cows, chickens, rice, jaggery, sugar, and other items. It is believed that large sums of money were mishandled, and temple staff may have colluded to exploit the offerings for personal gain.
சமயபுரம் மாரியம்மன் கோவிலில் முறைகேடு.. ரூ.18 லட்சம் ரொக்கம் கையாடலா? பக்தர்களுக்கு போலி ரசீது விநியோகம்!#Trichy #Samayapuram #AmmanTemple #SamayapuramAmmanTemple #FakeReceipt #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/2ptcBwlTcL
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 5, 2025
According to a report by News Tamil 24×7, one individual, Selvaraj from Gopichettipalayam in Erode district, confirmed these allegations. Selvaraj, a private factory worker, shared his experience from 24 November 2024, when he visited the temple with his family to donate Annathanam as part of a vow he had taken upon his marriage. He paid ₹5001 at the information center for the donation. However, when he requested a receipt, the employee informed him that the printing machine was not functioning and told him to complete his darshan first. After returning, Selvaraj was again told the machine was broken, and the employee promised to send the receipt via WhatsApp. Reluctantly, Selvaraj agreed to wait but was handed a fake receipt, which he later discovered after an investigation by the temple’s joint commissioner. The inquiry revealed that fake receipts had indeed been issued to several devotees making donations for food.
(Image Credit: Update 360 news)
The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, operated under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, now faces scrutiny for this incident. Allegations also emerged regarding a group of 30 devotees from Andhra Pradesh who allegedly paid for the “paid darshan” service. Sudhakar, responsible for the darshan fee collection, and Sridhar, the brother of DMK politician Easwaran Srirangam, were reportedly involved in this scheme, alongside a female guard named Sailaja. Despite these serious claims, no action has been taken against those involved.
Furthermore, there are growing complaints about the temple staff’s disrespectful behavior toward devotees, especially those attending the Annadana Koodam (food donation hall). The alleged mistreatment of devotees seeking the goddess’s prasad under the Annadana scheme has added to the unrest.
Social activists have condemned the temple trustees for their inaction, claiming that they are either turning a blind eye to the corruption or colluding with the staff to perpetuate these practices. In light of these ongoing complaints, activists are calling for immediate intervention by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and local authorities to ensure proper investigation and address the mismanagement at the temple.
(With Inputs From Update 360 news)
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