What Does the Sabarimala Gold Theft Reveal About the Vajivahanam Handover?
Synopsis
The recent discovery of the Sabarimala temple's Vajivahanam at the tantri's home has intensified scrutiny over a 2012 directive governing temple assets. This revelation raises urgent questions about the legality of the 2017 transfer to Kantarar Rajeevar, now implicated in a high-profile gold theft case. What implications does this have for temple governance?
Key Takeaways
Vajivahanam is a sacred item at the Sabarimala temple.
The 2012 TDB order prohibits individual claims on temple assets.
Rajeevar's 2017 handover is now under legal scrutiny.
Investigators are assessing compliance with temple asset regulations.
Transparency in temple governance is crucial for public trust.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 16 (NationPress) A 2012 directive from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Commissioner has recently gained attention amid the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft, raising significant concerns about the 2017 transfer of the temple's 'Vajivahanam' to the detained tantri, Kantarar Rajeevar, who is currently in judicial custody.
In 2017, the UDF-led Travancore Devaswom Board, under the leadership of former Congress MLA Prayar Gopalakrishnan, entrusted the Vajivahanam of the renowned Sabarimala temple to Rajeevar. Subsequently, the Vajivahanam was retrieved from Rajeevar's residence during a raid conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following his arrest. Rajeevar, arrested on January 10, has been identified as the 13th suspect in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
The Vajivahanam, a ceremonial ornament crafted from an alloy and coated in gold, is affixed to the temple's flag post.
At the time of the Vajivahanam's transfer to Rajeevar, the Board also included Congress figure Ajay Tharayil and a nominee from the CPI(M).
This 2017 decision has taken on new significance as Rajeevar is now implicated in two charge sheets submitted by the SIT, appointed by the Kerala High Court to investigate the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala.
Authorities are scrutinizing whether this transfer contravened existing regulations concerning temple properties. Ajay Tharayil has defended the Board's actions, asserting that the decision adhered strictly to established protocols.
“We respected the tantric traditions and transferred it to the tantris. The process was entirely legitimate,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, P.N.D. Nampoothiri, president of the Yogakshema Sabha, which represents tantris, affirmed that no impropriety occurred during the transfer.
“This was executed following longstanding customs and accepted practices. The Board acted transparently. Any current concerns appear to stem from vested interests,” he told reporters.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, noted that there is merit in reviewing events at Sabarimala over the past five decades. However, he warned against conflating the Vajivahanam issue with the ongoing gold theft investigation.
“The emergence of this matter should not diminish the resolve regarding the gold theft,” he cautioned.
Significantly, the 2012 order from the TDB Commissioner stipulates that items utilized in temple rituals and other Devaswom assets cannot be claimed by individuals.
The directive further requires that when new items are introduced, replaced items must be maintained as public property.
The 2017 handover occurred under this directive, which is now anticipated to present a major legal hurdle for the former Board and its administrative committee as the investigation escalates.
Point of View
This situation underscores the necessity for transparency and adherence to established protocols in the management of religious assets. The investigation highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of temple governance to ensure public trust.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vajivahanam?
The Vajivahanam is a ceremonial structure made of an alloy coated with gold, mounted on the flag post of the Sabarimala temple.
Who was responsible for the handover of the Vajivahanam?
The Vajivahanam was handed over by the UDF-appointed Travancore Devaswom Board, led by former Congress MLA Prayar Gopalakrishnan, to tantri Kantarar Rajeevar in 2017.
What does the 2012 TDB directive state?
The 2012 directive from the TDB Commissioner specifies that temple assets and items used in rituals cannot be claimed by individuals, and replaced items must be preserved as public property.
What legal challenges may arise from the Vajivahanam handover?
The legality of the 2017 handover is now under scrutiny, as it occurred while the 2012 directive was in effect, potentially posing significant legal challenges for the former Board.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The investigation could lead to increased scrutiny of temple governance practices and a reassessment of regulations surrounding temple assets.
