Sabarimala Tantri Rajeevaru seeks to step down; Son Brahmadathan likely to be appointed as new Tantri

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is likely to accept Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru's request to step down from the post and appoint his son Brahmadathan as the new Tantri. The Board is expected to take a decision at its next meeting and inform the Kerala High Court.

The Board has maintained that there is no reason to alter the long-standing tradition of the Thazhamon family holding the position of Sabarimala Tantri. Earlier, when Kandararu Mohanaru stepped down, his son Mahesh Mohanaru was appointed as Tantri at his request. The Board is expected to follow the same precedent in Rajeevaru's case.

Brahmadathan is also expected to be part of the interview panel for selecting the Melshanthis (head priests) of Sabarimala and Malikappuram for the upcoming pilgrimage season. He is likely to assume the responsibilities of the Tantri during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, which begins on November 16.

The next meeting of the Travancore Devaswom Board is also expected to approve the transfer list of sub-group officers. Some officials transferred to the vigilance wing and other departments have not been able to assume charge because they have not received vigilance clearance certificates. The certificates were sought only after the transfer orders were issued. The Board is also likely to approve appointments for these officials. Administrative officers at some temples may also be transferred.

Talks with banks on online services
The Travancore Devaswom Board may discontinue the services of Dhanalakshmi Bank for Sabarimala's online services. The move comes as the bank has reportedly been unable to expand the online service platform as required. The Board President and members are scheduled to hold discussions on Tuesday with banks that have submitted proposals to improve and expand Sabarimala's online services.