Thiruvananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has appointed Kandararu Brahmadattan as the new thantri of Sabarimala temple. Brahmadattan is the son of incumbent thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, who had requested that his son take over the responsibilities due to health issues.Decision was taken at a meeting of TDB held at its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, chaired by board president K Jayakumar.Rajeevaru had earlier informed the board through a letter that he would be unable to perform duties of thantri when the temple opens for Malayalam month of Chingam, citing health concerns. He had requested that his son be entrusted with the responsibilities.The matter was brought to the notice of high court, which observed that TDB was competent to take a decision on the appointment. Subsequently, the board constituted a three-member panel of expert thantris, including Kalidas Bhattathiripad, to assess Brahmadattan’s qualifications. The committee met board president on Friday and reported that Brahmadattan possesses the required tantric knowledge and expertise in temple rituals and puja procedures.Based on the committee’s recommendation, the board approved his appointment as new thantri. Brahmadattan will assume ceremonial and ritual responsibilities when Sabarimala temple opens for Chingam monthly pujas.
