Social media outrage over suspension of Kerala Temple priest on charges of accepting ‘dakshina’

The suspension of Machad Thiruvanikavu Temple priest on charges of accepting a ‘dakshina’ of Rs 20 triggered an outrage in social media. 

KOCHI: The suspension of Machad Thiruvanikavu Temple priest on charges of accepting a ‘dakshina’ of Rs 20 triggered an outrage in social media. “There have been incidents of major irregularities at famous temples. But the Devaswom Vigilance has never shown such enthusiasm to investigate the cases. Are they not ashamed to file such petty cases?,” BJP leader K Surendran wrote on Facebook.Based on the recommendations of the Devaswom chief vigilance officer, the board served Suresh a notice on October 28. As the reply was not satisfactory, he was suspended.

However it was pointed out the priest did not ask for ‘dakshina’. It was the Vigilance officer who gave the money.  Suresh said he used to give sacred threads to devotees on demand and accept the amount given as dakshina. “The residents of the area ae poor and they come asking for sacred threads. I provide the threads and accept whatever amount they give as ‘dakshina’. As the Vigilance officer said we can’t distribute threads without the knowledge of Devaswom board, we have started insisting on receipts. The Mamangam festival was held on February 21 and they sent me the suspension notice after the festival,” he said.

Dinesh, a local resident, said the incident was an outcome of vendetta by the Devaswom officer. He said thantri Palakattiri Mana Narayanan Namboothiri, father of Suresh, had filed a police complaint against Devaswom officer Rajesh for forging his signature to siphon off Devaswom funds. 

“The thantri is paid Rs 1,400 for each pooja and he conducted only three poojas last year. However, somebody forged his signature and received payment for 12 poojas. The thantri complained. The attempt to trap the priest can be seen only as a move to settle scores,” he said. 

However, Rajesh refuted the allegations. “I am not involved in the incident. It was the Vigilance officer who caught the priest during his inspection. The priest can take ‘dakshina’ while giving prasad for poojas conducted after making payments at the Devaswom office for which a receipt is issued. He can’t sell sacred threads without the knowledge of the Devaswom board. He is facing another Vigilance case for collecting funds illegally in the name of poojas in 2013-14,” said Rajesh.

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