Travancore Devaswom Board appoints non-Brahmin priest S Sudhikumar

ALAPPUZHA: The Travancore Devaswom Board has put the lid on the controversy over non-Brahmin priest S. Sudhikumar and appointed him as Keezhsaanthi  of  Chettikulangara temple. The TDB, which met  on Tuesday, issued the order that breaks a long-standing tradition followed in the temple.  The board did not discuss any  action against devaswom commissioner C.P. Rama Raja Prema Prasad who had stalled the transfer of Mr Sudhikumar to the temple following protest by the Hindumatha convention, an outfit of the devotees. The  TDB said that  the devaswom commissioner had shelved the transfer order of Sudhikumar  issued by assistant commissioner of devasowm, Mavelikara,  after considering the letter of Thantri  Plakkudy Unnikrishnan Namboodiri saying that the appointment of Sudhikumar as ‘Keezhsaanthi’ would be a breach of precedence.  

The High Court, on the basis of a  writ petition filed by Sreedevi Vilasam Hindumatha convention,  had ordered on  July 7 to take an appropriate decision after hearing all parties concerned. The TDB reviewed the controversial order considering the commissioner’s report and Mr Sudhikumar’s appeal submitted on September 18. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran expressed happiness over the  TDB  decision.

Mr Sudhikumar, Palazhi, Cheravally near Kayamkulam, who had   served as priest in various temples under TDB for the last 12 years , was transferred to Chettikulangara temple  by assistant commissioner of  Mavelikara on June 14. He was asked to join Chettikulangara temple by July 1. However, on August 14, Mr Prasad issued the order shelving the transfer order. Mr Sudhikumar said that  he would  dedicate himself for the prosperity of Chettikulangara Devi.