Dwarka priests earn Rs3.6 crore/year

Friday, Mar 23, 2012

To be a priest seems more lucrative an offer than working in an MNC with an MBA degree from some prestigious B-school!

Finding it hard to believe? Well, you will soon see reason when you know what the priests from one of the most revered shrines of the country Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Trilokya Sunder Jagat Mandir at Dwarka in Jamnagar district, earn for their service. The state government has paid Rs10,89,32,336 (more than Rs10.89 crore) in last three years to the priests of the temple as their share from the temple’s income.

This was disclosed by the state pilgrimage development minister Jay Narayan Vyas while replying to an un-starred question asked by Congress MLA Raghavji Patel. Interestingly, the temple committee manages the administration of the temple from the 17% share of the total income of the temple while the rest, i.e., 83% goes to priests’ families.

“We have been given the right of serving Thakorji (Lord Krishna’s pooja) since 1934 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara. During that period, Dwarka region fell under his kingdom. The constitution of the temple had been finalised in 1934 and since then the district collector is the president of the temple committee. Earlier priests’ share was 94%, which has, however, been reduced to 83% now,” said Dipak Thaker, who is 10th generation member of three main priests who were given the rights of service to the temple.

From the three brothers - Ramji, Mohanji and Damji Thaker - who served as the main priests, there are 36 priests in their lineage today. The earnings are shared among all the 36 priests. So, in last three years, every priest has pocketed a cool Rs30.25 lakh, which comes down to more than Rs10 lakh annually for each of them.

However, Thaker has a different take on the issue. Listing out the responsibilities of priests, he said that they don't get more than 10% of the total income and as a matter of fact, family members of many of the priests eke out a living from other businesses or jobs.

"Though we are getting 83 % share in the temple's income, the priest has to bear all the expenses made within the temple complex including the expense for the service to the Thakorji. Expense per day for all these rituals and services is more than Rs10,000," said Thaker. Downplaying the earnings, he further added:

"As per the members of the lineages of those three main priests, there are turns where some priests are getting chance of service for 60 days in a year, whereas some only get only one day. Therefore, income is not that much impressive for all these priests."

Bet Dwarka Dwarkadheesh Mandir Jamnagar

Bet Dwarka which is one of the most popular tourist attractions near the Dwarkadheesh temple in Jamnagar district is all set to be developed along the lines of the stunningly beautiful beach resorts in Malaysia.

Malaysia has developed several of its islands into exotic tourist resorts to boost the country’s tourism scene. The picturesque beaches there attract thousands of visitors, both local and foreign every year.

Now, Bet Dwarka, believed to be the original abode of Lord Krishna according to the archaeological ruins excavated here, is poised to become the tourism hotspot of the state. The Bet Island is famous for its marine life as people throng here to watch the dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles and starfish.

Located nearly 30 kms away from Dwarka town, the island does not have hotels and resorts as of now. So, pilgrims and visitors who spend time at the beaches here manage their stay in the hotels in the town.

Now, the state government proposes to develop eco resorts here besides planting trees and developing mangrove plantations.

According to sources in the state tourism department, the Bet Island will have an ocean park like the one in Hong Kong, a marine attraction similar to Dolphin Cove in Jamaica and several water sporting activities.

The central and the state government plan to develop a National Coral Marine Zone (similar to the one in Australia) here.

A camping site will also be developed at Sundarvan, a nature discovery center in Bet Dwarka.

The island, also known as Bet Shankhodhar, will have a giant statue of Lord Krishna.

The Bet has 31 temples and several mosques and gurudwaras. Other important attractions in the Bet are Hanuman Dandi and the Padmeshwar Mahadev Temple, where state government is planning to develop a sunset point for visitors.

As per Latest Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas Interviews, he said that, “The blueprint of Bet Dwarka development project is ready. The makeover of the island will be done in public-private partnership. Central government is also helping us develop the island. The project is expected to be completed by December next year.”

President Pratibha Patil Visited Dwarka Temple

Dwarka Mandir Jamnagar District gears up for President's visit.

The district administration of Porbandar and Junagadh and police authorities have only one job at present. To make foolproof arrangements for President Pratibha Patil's scheduled visit to the region starting October 2. Authorities have even prepared a helipad near Dwarka temple. Special care is being taken at Dwarka and nothing is being left to chance.

"We have to make all arrangements as per the book of guidelines. We have arranged for a bedroom, sitting room, dressing room and dining hall. Special air-conditioners are fitted in every room," said an official.

As many as 13 rooms of Dwarka circuit house have been equipped with new air-conditioners and a special shamiyana is being put up for dinner for 100 people who will accompany the President.

Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy and Airforce will be present to welcome her on her arrival along with representative of the Gujarat government, energy minister Saurabh Patel.

Rajkot Range IG police, SPs of Jamnagar and Vadodara, 5 DySPs, 20 PIs, 40 PSIs and 400 jawans of SRP will be present. They will provide security along the way from circuit house to Dwarka helipad and other temples of the holy town.

As per schedule, she will first visit all the temples of Dwarka and reach the circuit house. The President will be accompanied by her family members in her visit to the holy town. After lunch, she will leave for Sasan Gir(Gir National Park,Junagadh District).