Tantric Committee Says Brahmadathan Is Eligible to Be Sabarimala Head Priest; Informs Devaswom Board
Pathanamthitta: Kandararu Brahmadathan is likely to become the next Head Priest of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, succeeding his father, Kandararu Rajeevaru. The expert committee appointed to assess his eligibility has informed the Travancore Devaswom Board that he is eligible for the post.
The committee conveyed its assessment after holding discussions with Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar. According to the panel, Brahmadathan possesses the required expertise in Tantric rituals. The committee is also expected to hold a separate interaction with Brahmadathan before submitting its final report.
The Travancore Devaswom Board will place the committee's report before the Kerala High Court, following which a final decision on the appointment will be taken.
Kandararu Rajeevaru had earlier requested the Board to relieve him of his duties, citing health issues, and recommended that the position be entrusted to his son, Brahmadathan.
As per the Current practice followed at Sabarimala, two branches of the Thazhamon Madom family perform the temple's Tantric rituals on a rotational basis from Chingam to Karkidakam.
The current Head Priest, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, son of senior Head Priest Kandararu Mohanaru, will complete his term with the Niraputhari poojas on August 2. If the Kerala High Court approves the appointment, Brahmadathan is expected to assume charge as Head Priest on August 16 (Chingam 1), when the temple reopens for the monthly Chingam poojas.