News Brief
'Apolitical And Secular': Travancore Devaswom Board Dissolves Temple Committee For Playing RSS Song During A Musical Event
The Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to dissolve the advisory committee of the Manjipuzha temple in Kottukal, Kollam district in Kerala following allegations that the RSS "Gana Geetham" (prayer song) was rendered during a musical event on the temple premises, ANI reported.
According to the TDB, the incident involved serious lapses by the committee, including the unauthorised erection of flags and pillars, purportedly affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
An investigation conducted by the Kottarakkara Devaswom Assistant Commissioner confirmed the breach, and a report has since been submitted to the Board.
TDB officials stated that the dissolution of the Kottukal Manjipuzha Temple Advisory Committee would be implemented immediately after the report was examined.
The TDB cited the importance of maintaining temples as 'apolitical' and 'secular' spaces in justifying its decision.
A high-level meeting involving Devaswom Commissioners and district officials was convened at the TDB headquarters on Tuesday (8 April) to reinforce the guidelines laid down by the Kerala High Court.
The Board warned that strict action would be taken against officials if political, religious, or communal organisations are permitted to hoist their flags or promote their ideology in temples managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The TDB also noted that some committees were attempting to bypass regulations by raising flags under the guise of temple advisory bodies.
No temple advisory committee under the Travancore Devaswom Board has its own flag or symbols, the Board clarified, promising stern action against any such violation.
