Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan Backs Vavar Mosque as a Symbol of Religious Harmony; Erumeli Temple Construction Controversy
Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan has taken a strong stance against the construction of the Vapuran Swami temple in Erumeli, asserting that the iconic Vavar Mosque (Vavarupalli) is a symbol of religious harmony and must not be disturbed under any circumstances.
The Minister's comments come in the wake of a Kerala High Court interim order issued by the Devaswom Bench, which halted the construction of the temple. The court's order followed a directive from the Erumeli Grama Panchayat, which claimed that the construction was proceeding without the necessary permissions under the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act.
The temple was being built on land owned by a person named Joshi from Gaurishapattom, Thiruvananthapuram. However, the Panchayat informed the High Court that no proper building permit had been obtained for the temple, prompting the court to issue a stay on further construction.
The court's intervention came just days before the scheduled consecration ceremony (pratishtha) of the Vapuran Swami idol on Monday. The Devaswom Bench also directed the Erumeli Police to provide necessary security during the Panchayat’s enforcement of the order. If any law and order issues arise at the site, the Erumeli SHO is required to report directly to the District Police Chief.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) distanced itself from the temple construction. While acknowledging the existence of the concept of Vapuran, the VHP clarified that they had no involvement in the construction of the temple.