Kerala HC approves Kandararu Brahmadathan as Sabarimala Temple's new Tantri
The Kerala High Court has approved the appointment of Kandararu Brahmadathan as the new Tantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Temple, a decision made by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The approval was granted by a Division Bench comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar.
The court observed that the present Tantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru, had stated in a request to the TDB that the right to perform Tantram at the temple came within his turn, and that his son, Mr. Brahmadathan, possessed sufficient expertise and knowledge of Tantra Sasthra, rituals and pujas. This observation formed the basis for the court's clearance of the appointment.
According to the TDB, the newly appointed Tantri will be entrusted with the duties of the temple commencing from Chingam 1 and ending on Karkidakam 31 of the Malayalam calendar year 1202, which corresponds to August 16, 2026 to August 16, 2027. This one-year term follows the traditional rotatory system within the Kandararu family, which has historically held the hereditary right to perform Tantram at Sabarimala.
In July, Mr. Rajeevaru had expressed his wish to step down as the Tantri in a letter to the TDB, citing ill-health. He had asked that his son be allowed to succeed him in the position, a request that the TDB accepted before formally appointing Mr. Brahmadathan. The High Court's approval now affirms that decision.
Mr. Rajeevaru was one of the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. However, the Vigilance Court in Kollam granted him bail, citing lack of evidence. This matter remains a separate legal context and was not part of the current proceedings before the High Court.
The Sabarimala Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Kerala, attracting millions of devotees annually. The Tantri plays a crucial role in performing the sacred rituals and ceremonies, making the succession an important administrative and religious matter. The Travancore Devaswom Board, a statutory body, manages the temple and its affairs, and its decisions on appointments are subject to judicial review.
The High Court's approval brings clarity to the succession, ensuring that the rituals and traditions are preserved as per established practices. The transition of responsibilities is expected to proceed smoothly when the new Tantri assumes charge on the designated date.
