No more special privileges at temples: Travancore Devaswom Board tightens sponsorship rules

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board has tightened restrictions on sponsorships at temples, including Sabarimala, and decided not to allow sponsors such as Unnikrishnan Potti to have a free run at temples. The board will no longer issue letters or orders appointing sponsors. It has also stopped giving special consideration at temples to those who come offering to conduct vazhipadu (ritual offerings) or make donations. The restrictions have been introduced ahead of the Sabarimala season following a warning from the Devaswom Vigilance wing that there was a possibility of financial collections and irregularities being repeated in the name of sponsorships.

Sponsorships will be accepted only from reputed institutions and honest individuals. The board will conduct strict scrutiny before allowing sponsors to conduct pujas or undertake construction works as offerings. The Devaswom Vigilance wing will be responsible for the scrutiny.

The financial and social background and assets of sponsors will be examined. Sponsorships will be accepted only after the board is satisfied that there are no ulterior motives.

Intermediaries will not be entrusted with arranging vazhipadu or donations. The move is intended to prevent the collection of lakhs of rupees in the name of sponsorships and the undue influence exerted on the board through such arrangements.

No trace of Singapore sponsor

Sabarimala has seen the highest number of instances of fraud by fake sponsors. They have collected tens of thousands of rupees from people by arranging special darshan facilities for them.

Recently, a sponsor arrived from Singapore and offered to sponsor new vehicles. In return, he sought VVIP darshan and accommodation facilities for 50 people. He claimed to be a major businessman and also said that his projects had been inaugurated by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. After being told that no special consideration would be given, there was no further word from him.

“The practice of obtaining a letter from the board and bringing in a sponsor will no longer take place. Some banks have also said they are ready to sponsor. Sponsorships by institutions will be encouraged,” said K. Jayakumar, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board.