Devaswom Board Resorts to Unscientific Counting of Hundi Offerings in Sabarimala: Report

Sabarimala: The monetary offerings flowing into Sabarimala Hundi, which runs into crores is reportedly being counted in an unscientific manner. The very place where the money is being counted is said to have a very unprofessional ambience, with the very building being in a dilapidated condition.

According to sources, offerings made in Sabarimala hundi witness a steep increase every year. But the mode of counting remains dismally unprofessional and callous. Devaswom Board has cited lack of space for constructing a new venue for the process. However, when suggestions for renovating the present counting hall was put forth, which included removal of pillars with added facilities like CCTVs, board members remained indifferent.

According to the customary practice, money from the main hundi is taken to the first floor of the building by the conveyor. Collections from the other hundis are taken to the floors above. However, the floor on which offerings from the main hundi are counted have numerous pillars, which stand as hindrance to CCTV cameras. And even as counting takes place in unconventional styles, the Devaswom Board has shown the least of inclinations to modify or renovate the hall.

The main source of income for Sabarimala shrine is from the offerings collected from hundi, which is counted by 150 employees. The recent count of total amount from Sabarimala has been recorded at 47 crores 83 lakh rupees, an amount almost 10 crore rupees more than the previous year. A major portion of the amount has come from hundi collections.

Members who count are also subject to health hazards, with devotees depositing bhasmam, turmeric powder etc in the hundi along with money.