The Malabar Devaswom Board has taken over the administration of Parthasarathy Temple, Guruvayur.
Devaswom officials took over the temple by 4.30 a.m. on Tuesday with police protection as some Sangh Parivar organisations, including the Hindu Aikyavedi, protested against the move. The temple manager, appointed by the temple administration committee, handed over the keys of the temple locker and treasury to Devaswom officials.
Following a High Court order, the Malabar Devaswom Board tried to take over the temple on September 21. However, it could not take over the temple following protests by some Hindu organisations. They had conducted Statewide protests against the decision to take over the Parthasarathy temple.
Following graft charge
The Kerala High Court ordered the Malabar Devaswom Board to take over the temple administration following allegations of corruption in temple management. A case in this connection has been going on in various courts for the past eight years.
A strong posse of police led by three DySPs and six circle inspectors is camping at the temple to thwart any untoward situations. Security measures, including water cannon, have been arranged at the venue.
Meanwhile, the Sangh Parivar organisations, led by the Hindu Aikyavedi, has called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Thrissur district on Wednesday in protest against the takeover.
BJP flays takeover
BJP State president Kummanam Rajasekharan protested against the takeover of the temple by the board.
In a statement issued in Thiruvananthapuram, he said the takeover amounted to violation of religious freedom and the Constitution. He said this would have serious ramifications.