For the first time in India, the archakas of a state left the Gods in dark. Except some influential Gods and Goddesses such as Yadagiri Guta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Bhadrachalm Sitaramulu and Basara Saraswati, who enjoy enormous political patronage, all Gods in smaller temples suffered on Tuesday when priests of state went on relay strike abstaining from the service of their deities. About 6000 to 8000 priests have participated in the strike.
Demanding that government should pay their salaries through Treasury like any employee of the government thousands of priests who formed into a trade union like organization called Joint Action Committee refused to light the sacred lamp and sound the auspicious bell. No naivedyam had beenoffered to the gods and goddesses. No prasadam served to the devotees. Lord Venkateswara Swamy of Chikkadapalli, Hyderabad also bore the brunt of the anger of his own priests. Famous temples like Kurivi Veerabhddraswamy , Someswarudu in Warangal district. Kaleswaram and Dharmapuri temples on the banks of Godavari also went into silence.
BJP floor leader Dr Lakshman extended support to the striking archakass. Archaka JAC convener Gangu Bhanumurhty decried government attitude towards priests who have no interest other than serving the people and God. He regularization of services of Archakas demanded that salaries to the temple priests should be paid through Treasury under 010 head.
