Kandararu Rajeevaru seeks to step down as Sabarimala Tantri, proposes son as successor
Kandararu Rajeevaru, the chief priest of the Sabarimala temple, has requested to step down due to health reasons amid his involvement in a gold theft investigation. He has proposed his son, Kandararu Brahmadathan, as his successor, a move currently under review by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the High Court.
Why it matters
The leadership transition at a major religious site is complicated by ongoing legal proceedings, highlighting the intersection of temple administration and judicial oversight.
Amid the continuing legal proceedings in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Kandararu Rajeevaru has sought to step down as Tantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and requested that the responsibility be handed over to his son, Kandararu Brahmadathan.
Mr. Rajeevaru has submitted a letter to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) seeking his replacement, citing health reasons. TDB officials confirmed the receipt of the letter.
“He has submitted a letter expressing his willingness to step down as the chief priest, citing ill-health, and has suggested that his son Brahmadathan be appointed in his place. Any decision on the matter will be taken with the concurrence of the High Court,” TDB president K. Jayakumar said.
Official sources said Mr. Rajeevaru had also requested that he be excluded from the interview board constituted for the selection of the Melshanthi (head priest) of the temple.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in