Major irregularities in prasadam management at Sabarimala Temple

• Kerala High Court pulls up Travancore Devaswom Board

• Special Investigation Team directed to complete probe within 45 days

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – The Kerala High Court has pointed out serious irregularities in the functioning of the Travancore Devaswom Board with regard to the sale of prasadam at the Sabarimala Temple and the handling of revenue generated from it. The Court observed that the Board must establish a comprehensive and transparent mechanism to protect temple revenue and prevent malpractice.

These observations were made by a Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar while considering the report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department. The matter relates to alleged irregularities in the sale of the sacred prasadam “Adiya Sishtam Ghee” distributed to devotees at the shrine of Shri Ayyappa.

The SIT informed the Court that criminal cases have been registered against 33 persons in connection with the alleged irregularities. Those booked include a Special Officer of the temple and 30 counter staff members directly involved in the sale of prasadam to devotees.

The Bench directed the SIT to continue its investigation and complete the probe within 45 days. The Court remarked that the reported lapses indicate serious shortcomings in supervision, stock verification, accounting practices and financial control.

The Court further directed that the revenue from the sale of appam, adiya sishtam ghee, aravana, vibhuti, kumkum and other prasadam items must be brought under a transparent and accountable financial and administrative system. The next hearing in the matter has been posted for 27 February.

Editorial Perspective

Such irregularities are taking place because Hindu temples in Kerala have been brought under government control through Devaswom Boards. It would be beneficial to free temples from government control and entrust their administration to devotees. The Union Government must now intervene in this matter.