Did the Sabarimala gold theft involve Congress leaders?
Synopsis
The recent discovery of a 2012 Travancore Devaswom Board order raises critical questions about the 2017 handover of Sabarimala's Vajivahanam to tantri Kantarar Rajeevar, now under scrutiny for involvement in the ongoing gold theft investigation, with implications for political figures and temple management processes.
Key Takeaways
The Vajivahanam is an important ceremonial item at the Sabarimala temple.
Kantarar Rajeevar is currently accused in the gold theft investigation.
The 2012 TDB order restricts individual claims on temple properties.
The investigation may challenge the validity of the 2017 transfer.
Political figures are now scrutinized in relation to temple asset management.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 16 (NationPress) A 2012 directive from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Commissioner, which came to light on Friday, has gained significant attention amid the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case. This revelation raises critical questions regarding the 2017 transfer of the temple’s 'Vajivahanam' to the detained tantri, Kantarar Rajeevar, who is currently in judicial custody.
In 2017, during the tenure of the UDF-led Travancore Devaswom Board, chaired by former Congress MLA Prayar Gopalakrishnan, the Vajivahanam was entrusted to Rajeevar. This ceremonial structure, recovered from the tantri’s residence during a raid by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) post his arrest, has now placed Rajeevar at the center of the Sabarimala gold theft case, where he has been named the 13th accused.
The Vajivahanam, a decorative ceremonial structure composed of an alloy plated with gold, is affixed to the temple's flag post.
When the Vajivahanam was given to Rajeevar in 2017, the Board also included Congress member Ajay Tharayil and a CPI(M) representative.
This 2017 decision has gained renewed relevance as Rajeevar faces accusations in two charge sheets submitted by the SIT appointed by the Kerala High Court to investigate the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala.
Authorities are currently scrutinizing whether this transfer contravened existing regulations covering temple assets. Ajay Tharayil has defended the Board’s actions, asserting that the decision adhered strictly to established protocols.
“We complied with the tantric traditions and entrusted it to the tantris. There was nothing amiss in the process,” he stated.
P.N.D. Nampoothiri, president of Yogakshema Sabha, representing tantris, echoed this sentiment, maintaining that the transfer was legitimate.
“This was conducted in line with longstanding customs and accepted practices. It was an open and transparent act by the Board. If concerns are being raised now, they stem from vested interests,” he remarked to the media.
V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, indicated that examining Sabarimala's events over the past 50 years is reasonable. However, he warned against conflating the Vajivahanam issue with the ongoing gold heist investigation.
“The surfacing of this issue should not be interpreted as a justification to dilute our stance on the gold theft,” he stated.
Significantly, the 2012 order from the TDB Commissioner articulates that items utilized in temple rituals and other Devaswom properties cannot be claimed by individuals.
This order also stipulates that when new items are introduced, replaced items must be maintained as public property.
The 2017 transfer occurred while this mandate was active, potentially presenting a considerable legal challenge for the former Board and its administrative committee as the investigation intensifies.
Point of View
I believe that the emergence of this situation surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft highlights the need for thorough scrutiny of temple asset management practices. It is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability, especially in matters involving revered institutions. The investigation must proceed without bias, focusing on the facts to restore public trust.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vajivahanam?
The Vajivahanam is a ceremonial structure made of an alloy coated with gold, typically mounted on the flag post of the Sabarimala temple.
Who is Kantarar Rajeevar?
Kantarar Rajeevar is the tantri of the Sabarimala temple and is currently under judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the gold theft case.
What are the implications of the 2012 order from the TDB?
The 2012 order mandates that items used in temple rituals cannot be claimed by individuals and must be preserved as public property when replaced.
How did the Vajivahanam come to be handed over to Rajeevar?
In 2017, the Travancore Devaswom Board, under UDF leadership, decided to hand over the Vajivahanam to Rajeevar, a move now under investigation.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is examining the legality of the Vajivahanam's handover and its connection to the ongoing gold theft probe.
