The latest legal reports pointed out that the communist regime in Kerala is shamelessly looting our Temple wealth. The report pointed out corruption in procuring pooja items, artificial materials using dangerous chemicals, shoddy repairs/maintenance, and recommendations. Kerala Devaswom minister, K Radhakrishnan, is a well-known Hindu deity hater.
Devaswom minister K Radhakrishnan’s antics at Sabarimala
Fake Pooja Items
Pooja items used in Temples are made of inferior products mixed with dangerous chemicals. These facts were mentioned in a report filed by former Justice K T Sankaran to the Supreme Court. He submitted his statement to a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
Justice Sankaran alleged that Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) uses low-quality pooja materials in our temples. He noted that when applied to the deity, Bhasma and sandalwood made with chemicals spoil the Vigraha.
The TDB was formed in 1950 after the state usurped hundreds of Hindu temples. Communist leaders and cadre who are also TDB members now ‘manage’ around 1200 temples in south Kerala, including the famous Sabarimala temple.
Other institutions include the Malabar Devaswom Board, Guruvayur Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board, and several smaller organizations. They now control more than 3,000 temples; all seized over the years while in their pristine form.
There is no way Hindus can estimate the wealth collected by these shady Devaswoms since they have not been audited for decades. Experts opine that a rough estimate should be Rs.10,000 crores income yearly, yet the communists use inferior pooja items.
Allegedly, the income is not utilized for the betterment of Hindus but for ‘minorities’ who are now the majority in Kerala. Politicians, including the communists, shamelessly pocket the Hundi proceeds. Though we do not hold any resentment against ordinary Muslims and Christians, we do oppose religion-based reservations.
According to Justice Sankaran, low-quality synthetic sandalwood is used due to the ‘high cost’ of genuine sandalwood. Even the Vibhuti (Bhasma) used by TDB is not made from cow dung. Devotees tremble even to imagine the alternatives.
Propaganda portals that use Hindu names have inadvertently confessed that fake Vibuthi is made of dried wood and burnt carcasses used in ‘Agamic practices.’ Is the communist regime in Kerala using similar practices to destroy Hindu rituals and customs?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as Bhasma. Vibhuti is made from various ingredients, including dried cow dung cakes in an ancient tradition invoking Vedic ceremonies at Ghoshalas. Only cow dung from native cows should be used. The cow dung cakes are prepared and dried in the sun for weeks.
On the day of preparations, the sheltered spot is cleaned (devoid of sand or impurities) and decorated with Kolams. Cow dung cakes are placed in layers with semi-grown grains of paddy and hay in a pyramidal shape resembling a Shiva Lingam and baked.
The pile burns steadily and is closely monitored, and the fire dies in a few days. The milky white cakes can be taken out, powdered, and used if all goes well.
It is a meticulous ritual that involves devotion, attention, and accuracy. The driving force is a love of cows and a sense of tradition. It feels like Bhagwan Shiva is emerging from the ash, and Vibuthi is primarily prepared around Shivarathri.
Justice Sankaran mentioned that inferior quality sandalwood used in temples is manufactured in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that it is unknown what materials are used for sandalwood production. Did he not find the time or the patience to get them tested at a chemical lab?
The report also stated that those who rub (Hindu devotees) such chemicals on their foreheads would have health problems. Instead of recommending the best option, Justice Sankaran seems to have chosen the easy way out. He suggested the Devaswom board consider powdered turmeric, Ramacham (Vetiver or Khus), and sandalwood as prasad.
Corrupt TDB Officials
Justice Sankaran alleged that dishonest TDB officials forced Poojaris to use low-quality sesame oil. Incidentally, Muslims own most lamp oil companies in Kerala. They are all Halal certified. The same is the case with other pooja items like incense sticks.
Hindupost has also reported rotten halal-certified jaggery and pesticide-laced cardamom used in Prasadam at the Sabarimala temple. The communist government in Kerala still auctions anything donated by devotees that belong to temples under the TDB. Allegedly, corruption helps, and most end up in the hands of non-Hindus or Hindus In Name Only (HINOs).
Justice Sankaran’s report also highlighted the complaints raised by Poojaris regarding respiratory issues caused by smoke rising inside the sanctum sanctorum due to the use of substandard oil for lighting lamps. Justice Sankaran’s report leveled corruption charges against offerings, including ‘Mrityunjaya Homam.’
Justice Sankaran’s research found that Devaswom temples empower TDB officers to procure necessary pooja items. Atheist HINOs aligned with the ruling Marxist regime take it as an opportunity to plunder temple wealth. They produce fraudulent invoices after buying low-quality goods in numerous temples.
Shoddy PWD Maintenance
There are reports that Justice Sankaran came down heavily on repairs and maintenance executed by TDB officials and the Public Works Department (PWD). The PWD is headed by rabidly anti-Hindu/anti-RSS minister P A Mohammed Riyas. Not surprisingly, every temple under Devaswom’s control in Kerala is in ruins.
Local media rarely report negative news about Riyas, CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s controversial son-in-law. Justice Sankaran demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the constructions and repairs undertaken by the maintenance department of the TBD. The report submitted to the Supreme Court also demanded that the board’s vigilance be empowered to investigate the constructions.
Unscientific construction has left many temples unsafe and buildings uninhabitable, and no one is responsible. Devaswom staff are not ready for cleaning and maintenance. Hindu devotees refuse TDB’s wedding halls due to their poor condition.
(Unlike the communist-appointed staff, the rest are rarely paid salaries. Some have a history of waiting for up to two years! Shockingly, pujaris, the most critical component in the temple management system, are among the lowest-paid employees.)
It is unlikely that such factors were mentioned in the expert report submitted to Supreme Court. Justice Sankaran claimed the current situation must change, and strict action must be taken against those who waste public money.
It is hard to believe that Justice Sankaran does not know that the vigilance department is filled with communist puppets. Instead of punishment, Riyas has given such corrupt officials even more responsibilities. Such actions prove a deep nexus between contractors, administrators, and the ruling class. The same system is allegedly adopted in our temples.
Recommendations
Justice Sankaran suggested that the Devaswom board purchase and distribute ghee, oil, and camphor from state-run enterprises. The products that could not be stored, including milk, curd, vegetables, fruits, and cow dung, can be purchased locally. Allegedly, these steps will undoubtedly add to the existing corrupt practices. His recommendations did not inspire devotees.
The only positive in Justice Sankaran’s report came when he advised consulting Hindu religious authorities for their insights. Local Hindu devotees said they, too, must have a role in managing their temples. A social audit involving prominent Hindus will help resolve multiple issues that plague our temples, especially the smaller ones.
Sabarimala Tantri Kandadru Rajeevaru recommended that TDB use ghee and coconut oil to light temple lamps, especially inside the sanctum sanctorum, instead of fake oil. These suggestions are included in the report submitted to Chief Justice Chandrachud.
It is feared that more court verdicts will increase Hindu devotees’ restrictions. Experts pointed out that until anti-Hindu courts and Hindu-hating regimes are removed from our temples, the plight of Hindu devotees will continue. When will Hindu dreams of Free Temples be accomplished?
