Changing Sabarimala temple name draws flak

The government, which was taken by surprise by TDB’s decision, said this was a ‘serious violation of rules’ and it’s approval was not sought, the minister said in a Facebook post. 

The temple, believed to have been established 1,800 years ago, is considered among the biggest and most ancient shrines. Since then, it has been known as Sree Dharma Sastha temple and the board had no right to change it, Kadakampally said. Stating that government would seek an explanation from the TDB President Prayar Gopalakrishnan, the minister said he was not aware of the board’s intention behind such a move. 

Kadakampally said he came to know of the name change through media reports. He claimed even the Sabarimala thantri (priest) was unaware of the decision and that none had asked him. The Pandalam Royal family had also expressed similar sentiments, he added. The controversy has hit the famed temple at a time when the pilgrim season has begun and lakhs of devotees would be offering worship during the three month long period. 

TDB had said on Monday that the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple would henceforth be known as Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy temple.