Temple staff launch indefinite fast on demands

Nagapattinam, Jan 25 (PTI): About 50 priests and staff ofVaidyanathaswamy temple at nearby Vaitheeswarankoil todaybegan an indefinite strike, demanding pay fixation as per theHR&CE department guidelines.

Temple staff association president Rajagopal, who presidedover the agitation said their demands also included disbursalof 35 per cent of share in ticket collection revenue topriests who are working on a temporary basis, travelallowance and financial aid for marriage of wards.

More than 50 priests and staff members have taken part inthe hunger strike. However, regular poojas were not affected,said temple sources.

The ancient temple is under the control of the DharmapuramAdheenam Mutt. The priests have been fighting a long battlefor pay hike for the past few years.