Assistants to Sabarimala Head Priests Limited, TDB Tells HC
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has informed the Kerala High Court that the number of assistants to the Melsanthis (head priests) at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and the Malikappuram Devi temple will be restricted to four. The Board also stated that police verification will be conducted before the selection of these assistants.
In its submission to the court, the TDB further clarified that the number of assistants attached to Keezhsanthis (subordinate priests) will be limited to two. These measures, the Board said, are part of efforts to streamline temple administration and ensure proper oversight in appointments.
The submission was made in response to a directive issued by the Kerala High Court in October 2025. The court had instructed the TDB to submit detailed information regarding the appointment of assistants to the Melsanthis by October 31. It specifically sought clarity on the number of assistants currently serving, the dates of their appointments, and whether police verification had been carried out prior to their selection.
The TDB also addressed a proposal regarding parikarmis, who assist priests in temple rituals. It told the court that limiting the service period of parikarmis to five years would not be practical. According to the Board, such a restriction could result in a shortage of personnel with adequate experience and in-depth knowledge of temple rituals and customs, which are essential for the smooth conduct of religious practices at Sabarimala.
After hearing the submissions, the High Court has posted the matter for orders. The court’s decision is expected to provide further clarity on the norms governing appointments and tenure of temple assistants at one of Kerala’s most prominent pilgrimage centres.