SHAMANS at a Sri Lankan temple known for helping pilgrims place curses on their enemies went on strike last week after appeals to the lord of destruction failed to resolve a pay dispute, AFP has reported.
Seenigama Devale, a shrine on a small islet off Sri Lanka's southern coast, hosts daily ceremonies in which celebrants guide the grinding of fiery peppers over a millstone.
The ritual offering is made to Devol, a deity whose duties involve comforting the faithful and unleashing great suffering on their enemies.
But DM Kumara, the temple's chief shaman, said he and his nine colleagues had halted the ceremonies to protest new rules that sharply cut their earnings.
Administrators decreed that Kumara and his colleagues could now only take 30% of the cash, gems and jewellery offerings made to Devol, down from the total share they took earlier.
All 10 shamans had appealed to the deity to intervene on their behalf, Kumara explained, adding that the strike was necessary in the interim.
"We have taken our grievance to god Devol, but we are taking direct action because we have not seen immediate results," he commented.
"Divine influence will take a little time to work."
The temple's interim administrator SD Handi added the strike was unnecessary because celebrants would still be earning 10 times the average salary of a new govt employee.
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