Sabarimala Thantri Post: Will Kandararu Rajeevaru Continue? TDB to Decide as Bail Restrictions Bar Him from Entering Pathanamthitta and Leaving Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is set to decide today whether Kandararu Rajeevaru should continue as the Thantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala temple.
The Board is considering removing Rajeevaru from the post after he was named an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case and remains under strict bail conditions. In view of these circumstances, the TDB is assessing whether he can continue performing the duties of the Thantri.
Recently, Rajeevaru wrote to the Devaswom Board requesting that his son, Brahmadattan, be appointed as the new Thantri in his place. The issue has gained further importance after the Kerala High Court observed that the Board is free to take an appropriate decision regarding the Thantri post. As a result, today's Board meeting is considered crucial.
Rajeevaru had earlier submitted a letter to TDB President K. Jayakumar, citing health issues as the reason for stepping down. In the letter, he said that his ill health has made it difficult for him to perform temple rituals. He also requested to be relieved from serving on the interview board for the appointment of the Sabarimala and Malikappuram Melsanthis for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Rajeevaru was expected to perform the duties of Thantri during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. However, following his arrest in the Sabarimala gold theft case, it is understood that he has decided to step aside, believing it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the role while facing the case. In February, the Kollam Vigilance Court granted him bail with strict conditions, including that he must not enter Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, and must not leave Kerala without the court's permission. Since Sabarimala falls within Pathanamthitta district, these bail restrictions have raised serious questions about his ability to perform the duties of the Thantri during the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The Thazhamon Madom family has served as Sabarimala's Thantris since 1908. Kandararu Mohanaru and Kandararu Rajeevaru have both held the post. Following the recommendations of the Justice Paripoornan Commission, Mohanaru was removed as Thantri and succeeded by his son, Mahesh Mohanaru.