Author: M C K Raja

Design: K C Meera

The lure of commerce

The temple had some income from lands before 1957. However, after the Kerala legislation regarding lands, the income got reduced to such an extent that even day-to-day expenditure could not be met. The offerings from devotees was not much in those days. The offerings were mostly like nivedyam, oil, garlands, etc, which had no profits.
To increase the revenue of the temple, the management started a new offering called Mangalya puja. It was given publicity that if these puja is conducted annually for three years, the unmarried daughters will soon find husbands. If this does not happen in three years, the puja is to be continued for another three years. People started crowding for this puja and the temple started collecting hefty sums. The management is now thinking of arranging other pujas like Udayasthamana puja, etc.
A small part of this money is being used to raise concrete buildings on the hillock like offices, hall, choultry etc. These contructions have spoilt the beauty of the place. The hillock and the place chosen by Mandhatha Maharishi for its scenic beauty is no longer different from any other place.
The number of real devotees in general must have got reduced now but the increasingly prosperous middle class visiting the temple has increased its prosperity.