Latest news with #Travancoredevaswomboard
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Permission for idol installation on Sabarimala temple premises revoked, TDB tells Kerala HC
Kochi: Travancore devaswom board (TDB) has informed high court that the permission granted to a private individual to install a Panchaloha Vigraham (idol) of Lord Ayyappa within the Sabarimala temple premises has been revoked. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The submission was made in response to suo motu proceedings initiated by HC based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala special commissioner. The report stated that the TDB had granted permission to E K Sahadevan, chairman of Lotus Multispeciality Hospital and IVF Fertility Centre, Erode, to install the idol. It further pointed out that Sahadevan had allegedly circulated pamphlets seeking donations for the idol installation, directing contributions to the account of 'Rotary Freedom India Trust'. In an affidavit filed before HC on Wednesday, the TDB stated that the devaswom commissioner had been directed to initiate legal action against Sahadevan for allegedly collecting funds by misrepresenting facts. Meanwhile, the Sabarimala chief police coordinator submitted a report stating that a criminal case had been registered against Sahadevan by the Pampa police, based on a complaint filed by the TDB on July 31. However, the govt pleader sought additional time to obtain instructions regarding the extent of funds amassed by Sahadevan in connection with the idol installation. Considering the request, the bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar adjourned the matter to Sept 10.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Devotees question fee collection for immersing ashes in Periyar
Kochi: Travancore devaswom board (TDB) began imposing a fee on devotees who immerse ashes, a ritual followed by Hindus after cremation, in Periyar River adjacent to Aluva Mahadeva Temple. The decision to impose a fee of Rs 50 is being questioned by devotees. Fee system came into effect on July 1. On average, around 50 people from various parts of the state arrive at Manappuram daily to perform this ritual, whereas the number increases on religiously important days. Devotees have started questioning TDB for imposing a fee for immersing ashes in a river that falls under the jurisdiction of irrigation department. At the same time, people's representatives feign ignorance about TDB decision. "We heard it from news reports. We don't have any other details. Moreover, the issue doesn't come under the purview of Aluva municipality," a municipal councillor said. It is learnt that TDB has set up a counter at the site to collect fee using temporary staff. Though TOI tried to contact temple administrative officer over phone, the official didn't respond. According to devotees, TDB takes responsibility for cleaning bathing ghats and riverbanks during major events such as Shivaratri and Karkidaka Vavu, but riverbanks remain dirty with garbage on normal days.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Travancore devaswom board staff should approach high court if they have plaints regarding Sabarimala duty, says court
Kochi: High court has held that if Travancore devaswom board (TDB) employees have any grievance regarding their deployment on special duty at Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons or 'Masapoojas', they must approach the high court for relief.A division bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and S Muralee Krishna issued the directive while considering a suo motu petition initiated by the high court in the Sabarimala matter. The issue arose from a report submitted by the devaswom ombudsman, which stated that a complaint had been received regarding the deployment of devaswom employees on special duty at Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. Certain employees had approached the ombudsman seeking the formulation of guidelines for such the division bench was considering the petition, the TDB submitted that the deployment of employees on special duty at Sabarimala during the festival season is carried out strictly following the directions issued by high court in 2022. In that directive, the court had noted that the reluctance shown by board employees to report for special duty at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season cannot be taken lightly. It was further stated that employees who fail to report for special duty — except on genuine medical grounds or due to the ongoing festival in their temple — should face appropriate disciplinary disposing of the suo motu petition based on the ombudsman's report, the bench reiterated that devaswom employees cannot approach the ombudsman with complaints about the absence of guidelines for deployment on special duty at Sabarimala, as such matters are strictly governed by the directives of the court.
