Will Kandararu Rajeevaru continue? TDB to take decision on Sabarimala tantri post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will decide Thursday whether Kandararu Rajeevaru should continue as the Tantri (chief priest) of Sabarimala. The board is also considering removing Rajeevaru from the tantri post, as he is unable to continue in the post due to his conviction in the gold theft case and the existence of strict bail conditions. Rajeevaru had recently written to the board requesting that his son Brahmadathan be given the post instead. The meeting to be convened today is crucial in the context of the much-discussed high court's direction that the board take a suitable decision over the tantri post.

Rajeevaru submitted a letter to board president K Jayakumar citing health issues to step down from the post. The letter mentioned that he finds it difficult to perform the rituals due to health issues. He has also requested to exclude him from the interview board for the appointment of melsanthis in Sabarimala and Malikappuram for this pilgrimage season. Rajeevaru will be in charge of the mandala makaravilakku pilgrimage starting on November 16. It is hinted that he decided to withdraw himself, considering that it is not appropriate to hold the tantri post since his arrest in the gold theft case.

Kandararu Mohanaru and Rajeevaru from the Thazhamon Madom family having tantric rights, had been serving as tantris. As per the recommendation of Justice Paripoornan Commission, Mohanaru was removed from the post and then his son Mahesh Mohanaru was appointed.