Thiruvananthapuram, July 11: A significant development has emerged ahead of the Sabaramala pilgrimage set to begin this November. Kandararu Rajivaru, the appointed hereditary chief priest (tantri) of the Sabaramala temple, has declined to assume his duties this year, citing health concerns.
In a letter to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Saturday, Rajivaru requested that he not be appointed as tantri due to his health issues. He also appealed for consideration to appoint his son in his place.
The Travancore Devaswom Board will review this request before making a final decision on the appointment.
The position of tantri at the Sabaramala temple is hereditary, specifically held by the Thazhamon Madom family. This family has been conducting the temple’s tantric rituals for generations. According to tradition, the responsibility is passed down among eligible family members, with Rajivaru next in line for the role.
Rajivaru has previously been embroiled in controversies. He was investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the alleged disappearance and embezzlement of the temple’s gold jewelry and other valuables.
During the investigation, the SIT arrested him, while the ED questioned him under provisions related to money laundering. He later received bail in these cases, and the investigation is currently in its final stages.
Sources indicate that the Travancore Devaswom Board is not inclined to make an immediate decision. The board is awaiting the final charge sheet from the SIT and ongoing legal proceedings in the High Court.
Notably, only a few months remain until the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage begins. Thus, the decision regarding the tantri’s appointment is considered crucial, as the tantri plays a central role in conducting the temple’s major religious rituals and ceremonies.
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