KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday refused to make any changes in the list of persons assigned to assist thantri Kandararu Maheswararu as ‘parikarmi’ for performing rituals at the Sabarimala temple.“Before the pilgrim season commenced, a list was provided by the thantri and the Travancore Devaswom Board had approved the names of persons from that list. For the time being, these persons alone shall assist the thantri as ‘Parikarmi’ within the Sreekovil, subject to further order,” the court held. A Division Bench comprising Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice C T Ravikumar passed the order while considering the plea of Maheswararu seeking permission to allow his grandson Rahul Easwar to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Ayyappa temple to assist him in performing the thantric rituals. The court refused to consider the plea of Maheswararu at this stage and adjourned the case to January 4. The court also issued a notice to Maheswararu and the representatives of the Pandalam Royal family. The court further directed the Travancore Devaswom board to file an affidavit in this regard and an amicus curiae for the Devaswom Ombudsman to make appropriate submission.The court said that the letter from Maheswararu has come through courier and hence the court need to ascertain the credibility of the stand from the thantri himself. If the thantri stood by the complaint or even otherwise, he will have to inform that to the executive officer of the Sabarimala temple who shall take the views of the thantri and inform the court. The court held that the thantri could file further pleadings or materials. The thantri argued that he had absolute authority to decide on matters related to the rites and rituals of the temple. The sanctity of the temple will not be affected by Rahul’s presence in the sanctum sanctorum. While rejecting the plea of the thantri, the court clarified that a male attendant had already been provided for his assistance.
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