Sabarimala gold row: New report brings fresh twist to Vajivahanam possession debate

Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh twist has emerged in the possession debate concerning the Vajivahanam, which came into the spotlight during the Sabarimala gold theft probe. An Advocate Commissioner’s report that surfaced in the media on Saturday suggests that the transfer of the Vajivahanam to Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru followed traditional procedures and took place with the knowledge of the Kerala High Court.

This development challenges the narrative that had dominated public discourse in recent days.

Earlier reports cited 2012 Devaswom Board order

Earlier media reports had claimed that the Tantri’s possession of the Vajivahanam violated a 2012 document of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). That document said that all ritual objects, including the Vajivahanam, remained temple property and that tantris had no possession rights once ceremonial duties were completed. The 2012 document further underlined that long-standing practices of tantris retaining ritual items could not be treated as a basis for possession.

Court informed, transfer accepted, items later secured

According to the newly emerged report, the transfer of the Vajivahanam to Tantri Rajeevaru took place in the presence of the Advocate Commissioner, and the Kerala High Court was informed of this arrangement in March 2017.

The court reportedly accepted the transfer, observed that the flagpole construction adhered to proper protocol, and praised the actions of the Advocate Commissioner. It also said that the Vajivahanam was later taken into possession in accordance with a High Court order, along with other items removed from the flagpole. The other items were reportedly shifted to a strong room under the supervision of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and the Administrative Officer.

Yogakshema Sabha defends Tantri, questions seizure

Meanwhile, the Yogakshema Sabha, a Brahmin social organisation, came out in defence of Tantri Rajeevaru, asserting that the sacred object had been handed over strictly in line with established religious procedures.

The organisation criticised the authorities for seizing the Vajivahanam, arguing that publicly documented changes from gold to copper were ignored. It also claimed that the Tantri was subjected to undue accusations despite legally holding the item.

Dispute traced to arrest in gold theft probe

The possession debate started following the arrest of Tantri Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft probe. Police subsequently recovered the Vajivahanam from his residence and produced it before the court, triggering wider scrutiny over its possession.