Bhadrak: The sevayats of Akhandalamani temple at Aradi in Bhadrak have demanded financial help for their sustenance following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a memorandum to Bhadrak Sub-Collector Pitambar Samal on Monday, they urged him to provide assistance as they spend Rs 5000 per day for rituals and other work at the shrine.
They have been spending the amount for nearly 15 months since the lockdowns and shutdowns were imposed in the state.
The memorandum said Brahmins, priests, gardeners and barbers depend heavily on donations by the devotees and added that as the temple is closed, they are deprived of getting the donation money.
Their survival is at risk as devotees are not allowed to enter the temple for darshan, the memorandum added.
