Kerala: SNDP Yogam Gen Secy calls for overhaul of temple boards, criticises TDB over gold-plating row

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], October 6 (ANI): The General Secretary of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, Vellappally Natesan has heavily criticised Kerala's temple administration system, questioning whether "Devaswom Boards have become a curse."
Criticising the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for sending gold-plated panels from the temple's Dwarapalaka idols to Chennai for repair without informing the High Court, Natesan wrote in 'Yoganadam', the official mouthpiece of the SNDP Yogam, that such an incident is "deeply painful for Ayyappa devotees" and highlighted that the allegations about financial irregularities and the involvement of middlemen reflected a "rotting system" within temple management.
"Devaswom Boards have become synonymous with corruption and mismanagement. From the theft of gold and priceless temple assets to land encroachments and manipulation of court orders, the system reeks of decay," Natesan wrote.
He alleged in the article that the five autonomous temple boards in Kerala -- Travancore, Cochin, Malabar, Guruvayur, and Koodalmanikyam are Devaswom in name only, as their functioning is directly controlled by the government through political appointments.
"Their autonomy is a myth. Governments appoint board members and presidents based on politics, not merit," he said.
Natesan further noted that despite temples possessing vast lands and invaluable treasures, there is no proper auditing, inventory, or transparency. He alleged that much of the temple property has been encroached upon, with even cemeteries coming up on Devaswom land, while adding, "The High Court had ordered recovery of hundreds of acres years ago, but no action has been taken."
He cited that the Vijay Mallya's 30 kg gold donation for the Sabarimala sanctum's gold plating, much of which is now untraceable, as a "glaring example of administrative rot." Similar irregularities, he claimed, exist in major temples like Guruvayur, Chottanikkara, Vaikom, and Thripunithura.
Calling for a professional restructuring of temple governance, Natesan urged the government to reduce its direct control and introduce a transparent, community driven management model. He wrote, "It's time to end this jungle rule of Devaswom governance. Governments should not have to bear the stench of corruption from these boards." (ANI)