Verbal abuse on devotees, temple rituals disrupted; Authorities file complaint

THODUPUZHA: A complaint has been lodged regarding a disturbing incident at the Thondikuzha Sri Amrithakalasha Shasta temple, where several people allegedly disrupted the puja and rituals. It is claimed that these people used abusive language and made threats towards devotees, including children, as well as towards the Trust Management Committee, a female employee and the Melshanthi. This resulted in a delay of the Deeparadhana, scheduled for 6 pm on Saturday, by 25 minutes. The temple officials promptly reported the incident to the Thodupuzha police station.

The context of this disturbance stems from a longstanding dispute over the encroachment of temple land dating back to 1981. Allegedly, the daughter of a neighbour, who had encroached upon the temple's land, along with another person, threatened the devotees. Additionally, those arriving at the temple via road were subjected to verbal abuse.

Many visitors, frightened by the situation, left the premises. Temple officials claim that this disruption was intentionally orchestrated, coinciding with the upcoming Ashtabandha Kalasam scheduled to occur in the temple from the 18th to the 21st of this month.

Recently, the High Court order came regarding the encroachment of temple land. According to this, the process of handing over the land to the temple is progressing in the lower court.