A fire broke out at Sree Chenthitta Devi Temple on Powerhouse Road in Chalai, Thiruvananthapuram. The temple, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City, had its roof wholly burnt.
The incident happened at 2.45 p.m. on Saturday. The fire first broke out in a room on the right side in front of the main shrine of Bhagvati, where the puja items are stored. It is suspected to have originated in the portion of the ‘Kalamezhuthu’ (temple ritual art form) before quickly spreading across the temple complex.
Wood, lamps, and puja materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Roof tiles and wooden battens shook and fell to the ground. The planks and timber of Nalambalam’s roof were wholly burnt.
A girl from a nearby house saw the fire first. After being informed by the locals, a unit from the Chengalchoola Fire Force reached the spot around 3:15. It took about an hour and a half to put out the fire. By then, four fire force units were pressed into service to douse the blaze. The fire department has concluded that the damage is around six lakhs.
Incidentally, a temple security man on duty had gone outside for lunch when the fire started. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The preliminary conclusion is that the fire may have spread from the lamp, or a short circuit may have caused the accident. However, the Devaswom Board officials said the lamps were not lit when the incident occurred.
Churches and mosques maintain their places of worship according to the latest technical specifications. Though Hindus have the funds and manpower, government-managed Devaswoms choose the lowest bidders. These contractors (including non-Hindus) will naturally use the lowest-quality materials. Could this have caused the electrical short circuit?
The TDB Deputy Devaswom Commissioner of Finance is a non-Hindu. An alleged Hindu-hating Minister handles Kerala’s Public Works Department. Allegations that there is an open agenda against temples exist among the Hindu community. It is high time since the state freed Hindu temples from their iron grip.
The fire Was controlled and protected by the fire force without spreading to Sri Kovil and other parts of the temple. As it was daylight, the fire was brought under control. Fire Force Station Officers Nithinraj and Anish Kumar led the efforts and extinguished the fire. The Devaswom Superintendent of Police (Vigilance & Security) and the electrical engineer will investigate the incident.
The puja could not be conducted on Saturday night due to the fire. The temple Tantri arrived and performed the ablution rituals.
At the Chenthitta Devi Temple, where Bhagvati Bhadrakali is the ruling deity, Navarathri is celebrated with great passion. The temple is one of three where Murtis are worshipped during Navratri Mahotsavam.
Munnoottinanga Bhagvati is transported from Sucheendram Thanumalaya Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu to Chenthitta Temple via a magnificent procession before the start of Navarathri celebrations.
Special prayers and various cultural programs are organized during the festival. On the Vijayadashami day, children in the area are initiated into learning (Vidyarambham).
