Kandararu Brahmadathan Likely to Be Appointed Sabarimala Thantri; TDB Accepts Rajeevaru's Request, Final Decision with Kerala High Court
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has no objection to Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru's request to appoint his son, Kandararu Brahmadattan, as the next Tantri from the Malayalam month of Chingam. However, the Board will proceed only after obtaining the concurrence of the Kerala High Court, TDB President K. Jayakumar said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Jayakumar clarified that the Board has not taken a final decision as related cases are currently pending before the High Court.
"The only matter that came before the Board was a letter stating that it is the turn of a new Tantri during the Malayalam month of Chingam. However, the present Tantri is unable to continue due to health issues and has requested that the tantric rights be transferred to his son. The Board has no particular objection to accepting the request," Jayakumar said.
He added that since the issue is linked to matters pending before the Kerala High Court, the Board decided to seek the court's concurrence before taking any decision.
"Beyond that, there was no other discussion or decision on the matter. Since the issue is under the consideration of the court, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. A Special Commissioner has been appointed by the High Court, and the matter will be decided at the appropriate time," he said.
Rajeevaru, the Tantri of the Sabarimala temple from the Thazhamon Madom family, has sought permission for his son, Brahmadattan, to assume the tantric responsibilities as he is unable to continue due to health reasons. Brahmadattan has already been assisting him in temple rituals.
Jayakumar's remarks come amid a controversy sparked by BJP state vice-president K. S. Radhakrishnan, who demanded that the Thazhamon Madom family be removed from the hereditary post of Tantri. Referring to the gold loss controversy at Sabarimala, Radhakrishnan argued that the TDB was not bound to appoint a person recommended through hereditary succession if those involved were facing criminal proceedings.
The BJP, however, distanced itself from Radhakrishnan's remarks on Monday, stating that the issue of who should perform tantric duties at the Sabarimala temple is not a political matter and that his comments reflected only his personal opinion.