‘Vaji Vahanam was handed over to Tantri as per traditional customs, all procedures were carried out with High Court’s Knowledge’; report comes out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A report has stated that the Vaji Vahanam of Sabarimala was handed over to Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in accordance with traditional customs. The Advocate Commissioner’s report said that all procedures were carried out with the knowledge of the High Court and that the court was informed about the matter in March 2017.

The report said that the entire process took place in the presence of the Advocate Commissioner. It also noted that the High Court had approved all the procedures, including the handover of the Vaji Vahanam, and observed that the construction work of the flagstaff was carried out in an exemplary manner. The report also mentioned that the court praised the work of the Advocate Commissioner.

The Vaji Vahanam was taken into custody while the High Court order was still in force. Other items on the flagstaff, including the Ashtadikpalakas, were shifted to the strong room. This was done in the presence of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and the Administrative Officer. The report said the items were sealed and kept in the strong room at Sannidhanam.

Meanwhile, the old Vaji Vahanam of Sabarimala, which was taken into custody by a special investigation team from the Chengannur residence of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, was produced before the Kollam Vigilance Court. The Vaji Vahanam is a horse-shaped idol believed to be the vehicle of Lord Ayyappa.

In 2017, a new flagstaff was installed at Sabarimala. After this, the Tantri claimed that the Vaji Vahanam that was on top of the old flagstaff belonged to him as per tradition. The then Devaswom Board handed it over to the Tantri. During questioning after his arrest, the Tantri said that the Vaji Vahanam was kept at his residence. Although he later said he would return the Vaji Vahanam after the Sabarimala gold theft case came to light, the Devaswom Board was not willing to take it back as the case was still under trial.