THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A serious breach of ritual has been reported at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The 'Tantri Dakshina' ceremony, which was supposed to be held after the temple's Painkuni festival, did not take place today. The Maharaja of Travancore, Pushpanjali Swamiyar, Tantri and members of the Ettara Yogam (King and Council of Eight) used to participate in this ceremony, which has been going on since ancient times. Due to a serious error on the side of the temple officials, this ceremony did not take place today.

It is customary to send an invitation from the temple to all those attending the ceremony. This time, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, Nedumbilly Tharananellur Namboothirippad and the members of the Ettara Yogam were present at the temple to participate in the ceremony. However, Pushpanjali Swamiyar could not attend the ceremony as the officials did not issue him the invitation containing the date and time. It is reported that Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the current titular Maharajah of Travancore and a trustee of the temple, expressed his displeasure as the Tantri Dakshina, a centuries-old tradition mentioned in the Mathilakam documents, did not take place today.

No lapse on part of governing body: Executive Officer

Meanwhile, the Executive Officer of the temple said that there was no lapse on the part of the governing body. Executive Officer Mahesh told Kerala Kaumudi Online that Tantri Dakshina is a ritual that can be performed at any time after the festival and that the function will be performed at the appropriate time.