News for 'devaswom-board'

UDF Criticises LDF Government Over Sabarimala Gold Loss and Health Sector Crisis

UDF Criticises LDF Government Over Sabarimala Gold Loss and Health Sector Crisis

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala has criticised the ruling LDF over the Sabarimala gold loss cases, the issue of women's entry to the shrine, and the state's health sector, where government doctors and private nurses are striking over wages.

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case arrested chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, sources said.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Kerala High Court denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and others accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case, citing laxity in the investigation and potential impediment to the probe if bail is granted.

SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than found

SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than found

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case suspects that more gold was lost from the temple than initially believed. The investigation has led to political accusations and counter-accusations between various parties.

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Sabarimala temple on October 22. The Kerala High Court has granted permission for the VVIP convoy movement, and security rehearsals are underway.

Former administrative officer arrested in Sabarimala gold missing case

Former administrative officer arrested in Sabarimala gold missing case

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple arrested former administrative officer B Murari Babu. He is accused in cases related to the disappearance of gold from the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil of the temple.

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Kerala High Court has directed the state police to register a criminal case and launch an investigation into the misappropriation of gold from a shrine's side frames or lintels.

Sabarimala gold case: Footwear hurled at prime accused outside court

Sabarimala gold case: Footwear hurled at prime accused outside court

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold missing from Kerala's Sabarimala temple has arrested prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty. He was taken into custody and interrogated before his arrest was recorded.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Kerala Devaswom Minister alleges a conspiracy behind the 'missing' gold-coated pedestal of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple, which was later found at a sponsor's relative's residence. The minister accuses the sponsor of staging a drama and misleading the public.

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

A controversy surrounding the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple has ignited a political row in Kerala, with opposition parties alleging theft and demanding a comprehensive investigation into temple inventories and the role of a sponsor in the replating process.

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain pleas against the Kerala High Court order dismissing petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees.

Kerala temple panel disbanded for playing RSS prayer song

Kerala temple panel disbanded for playing RSS prayer song

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to dissolve the advisory committee of a temple in the Kollam district where the RSS 'Gana Geetham' (prayer song) was sung during a musical concert.

Kerala Devaswom Board to challenge SC verdict on Sabarimala

Kerala Devaswom Board to challenge SC verdict on Sabarimala

Rediff.com19 Oct 2018

"The TDB is for resolving the issue and there is no politics for the board..."

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the "kudamattam" as part of the Pooram festivities.

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.

CPM takes god's path to fight climate change in Kerala

CPM takes god's path to fight climate change in Kerala

Rediff.com7 Jun 2023

vIn its effort to tackle the impacts of climate change in Kerala, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led government has launched an ambitious project to improve the green cover of over 3,000 temples being managed by five devaswom boards under its control.

No politics in temple worship and festivals, says Kerala HC

No politics in temple worship and festivals, says Kerala HC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

The Kerala high court has held that politics has no role to play in the conduct of daily worship, temple festivals and ceremonies.

Kerala HC on its own takes up washing of Brahmins' feet by devotees

Kerala HC on its own takes up washing of Brahmins' feet by devotees

Rediff.com9 Feb 2022

Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar initiated the suo motu.

In a first, Kerala's apex temple body to appoint ST priest

In a first, Kerala's apex temple body to appoint ST priest

Rediff.com6 Nov 2020

The TDB has decided to appoint 19 lower caste people, including 18 belonging to the scheduled caste and one from the scheduled tribe

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Rediff.com16 May 2023

In a purported video which surfaced on social media, the accused man, reportedly a Tamil Nadu native, could be seen sitting on a platform atop the Ponnambalamedu Hills, located about four km from the Sabarimala temple, and chanting mantras and doing some rituals.

Gold-plated roof of Kerala's Sabarimala temple found leaking

Gold-plated roof of Kerala's Sabarimala temple found leaking

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

The Travancore Devaswom Board, the apex temple body which manages the shrine, on Tuesday said a portion of the gold-plated roof would be opened on August 3 to take stock of the leak.

'By the end of this year, our temples' funds will be empty'

'By the end of this year, our temples' funds will be empty'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2020

'So far we have paid our salaries and pension in full because we had some reserve fund.' 'But we cannot afford to do so for more than another three months.'

BJP MP Suresh Gopi's 'Vishu kaineettam' drive in Kerala courts controversy

BJP MP Suresh Gopi's 'Vishu kaineettam' drive in Kerala courts controversy

Rediff.com14 Apr 2022

The national award-winning actor had organised a mass Vishu kaineettam campaign earlier this week in Thrissur, where he unsuccessfully contested in the last assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

Why BJP doesn't want temple gold to be pledged to RBI

Why BJP doesn't want temple gold to be pledged to RBI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2020

'The Sangh Parivar's position is that whatever gold that is there in a temple should remain there. It shouldn't be taken away by anyone.' 'See, we are not misappropriating anything; we are only using it for the welfare of the temple and the devotees.'

Court Verdict Reopens Question On Hindu Identity

Court Verdict Reopens Question On Hindu Identity

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

What should be made out of the Madras high court order involving non-Hindus' entry into Hindu temples, when many non-Hindus are among the hundreds of thousands that have been worshipping at these temples for generations, asks N Sathiya Moorthy.

'You are a Brahmin by karma, not by birth'

'You are a Brahmin by karma, not by birth'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2017

'The appointment of 60 priests from the Dalit community is a historic moment.' 'Imagine this is happening in Kerala when Dalits are not even allowed to enter temples in some states even today.'

Kerala cancels grand elephant festival Thrissur Pooram

Kerala cancels grand elephant festival Thrissur Pooram

Rediff.com15 Apr 2020

The annual Thrissur Pooram, billed as the mother of all temple festivals in Kerala, will not be held this year in the wake of the nationwide lockdown, the Kerala government said on Wednesday. The iconic festival, known for the parade of richly caparisoned jumbos, performance of traditional music ensembles and a sea of cheering people, was to be held at the sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur city on May 2 this year.

'A total ban on fireworks is necessary'

'A total ban on fireworks is necessary'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2016

'The government and the court have to interfere and stop both fireworks and elephants at festivals.'

PHOTOS: Sabarimala reopens after 7 months

PHOTOS: Sabarimala reopens after 7 months

Rediff.com17 Oct 2020

The temple, which opened for the monthly puja on Friday evening, will allow pilgrims to offer prayers till October 21.

Sabarimala Day 2: Heavy rush at Ayyappa temple

Sabarimala Day 2: Heavy rush at Ayyappa temple

Rediff.com17 Nov 2019

The first batch of police personnel had taken charge of the security on Saturday.

'Political interference ensured fireworks at Paravur temple'

'Political interference ensured fireworks at Paravur temple'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2016

'What we see is the vested interest of political parties. Just to get a few votes, political parties played with fire, they gambled with the safety of the people.'

'This tragedy shows total disregard for safety'

'This tragedy shows total disregard for safety'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2016

'Fireworks are dangerous in Kerala where there is very little open space.'

Union, Kerala ministers spar over reopening of temples

Union, Kerala ministers spar over reopening of temples

Rediff.com9 Jun 2020

While Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan questioned 'the haste shown' in reopening the temples, state Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the decision was only in line with the Centre's guidelines in allowing places of worship to permit entry of devotees.

'Impure women shouldn't be allowed in Sabarimala temple'

'Impure women shouldn't be allowed in Sabarimala temple'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2018

'Considering menstruating women impure is a Dravidian custom and is associated with the worship of nature by the tribal people'

SC: Observing 41-day abstinence before Sabrimala impossible condition

SC: Observing 41-day abstinence before Sabrimala impossible condition

Rediff.com19 Jul 2018

The five-judge Constitution bench said that it is the devotion which makes a woman to visit a temple.

In a historic move, Kerala temple board recommends Dalits as priests

In a historic move, Kerala temple board recommends Dalits as priests

Rediff.com6 Oct 2017

A recommendation had been made for the appointment of a total of 62 priests, including 26 from forward caste, it said

'Ensure hygienic manufacture of prasadam in Sabarimala'

'Ensure hygienic manufacture of prasadam in Sabarimala'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2012

Accepting the report of the Food Safety Commissioner, that appam at Sabarimala was unfit for human consumption, the Kerala high court on Tuesday observed there was lack of proper management in the affairs of the Lord Ayyappa shrine.