Stalls leased by the HR&CE department at Marudhamalai Subramaniyaswamy Temple in Coimbatore are allegedly selling prasadham at double the fixed price, drawing complaints from devotees.
Devotees said they are charging ₹20 for a 100-gram cup of prasadham, while the rate fixed by the HR&CE department and displayed on the price board is ₹10. Several items, including sweet pongal and puliyodharai (tamarind rice), are being sold at twice the notified rate.
“Prasadham that should be sold for ₹10 is being sold for ₹20. Pongal and puliyodharai, 100 grams each, must be sold at ₹10. A prasadham set should be ₹50. That is the rate mentioned in the price list there. But they are selling at double the price,” said K Raghupathi of Narasimhanaickenpalayam.
Marudhamalai Subramaniyaswamy Temple is one of Coimbatore’s most famous shrines, attracting thousands of devotees daily. While annadhanam is provided on temple premises, it is limited to a specific number of devotees, so most visitors prefer to buy prasadham sold by the administration.
Three shops are functioning on the premises through private contractors for prasadham sales. Though all shops have price boards displayed, devotees allege items are sold at higher rates. Sellers do not respond when questioned about overcharging and treat devotees with disrespect.
Temple Executive Officer Vimala told TNIE that contractors continue selling at higher prices despite repeated warnings. “We have told them many times, but they are still involved in selling at higher rates. We are unable to monitor this continuously. Appropriate action would be taken if devotees submit a written complaint.”
Marudhamalai temple stalls sell prasadham at double the rate – ₹20 instead of ₹10 fixed by HR&CE, devotees complain of overcharging and disrespect.
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