Keralam: Travancrore Devaswom Board Names Brahmadathan As New Sabarimala Tantri

According to the TDB, Brahmadathan will perform the Tantric duties at the hill shrine from Chingam 1,1202 ME to Karikadakam 31, 1202 ME under the Malayalam calendar.

The decision was made during a meeting at the TDB headquarters, attended by Board president K. Jayakumar and members K. Raju and P. D. Santhosh Kumar.

Rajeevaru, who is currently serving as Chief Priest, had earlier requested the Board to relieve him of his duties and appoint his son as his successor after being accused in the Sabarimala Gold Theft case. The TDB subsequently informed the Kerala High Court that it had no objection to Rajeevaru’s request. Following this, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner submitted a report to the High Court recommending Brahmadathan’s appointment along with Rajeevaru’s request.

The High Court, which went through the report, sought the opinion of the state government on the matter and adjourned the case to July 27 to allow the government pleader to obtain instructions.

The TDB had formed a three-member panel to assess Brahamadathan's suitability for the post. The panel concluded that he has the necessary qualifications, experience, and competence to serve as the Sabarimala Tantri. The Board is expected to inform the Kerala High Court of its decision when the case is taken up for hearing on July 27.

Rajeevaru’s position became untenable after his arrest in the Sabarimala gold theft case on January 9, 2026. The SIT took him into custody for his alleged involvement in the case, and he spent about 40 days in judicial custody before being released on bail in February. Since then, Rajeevaru has stayed away from active temple rituals, with his son Brahmadathan representing the chief priest at several religious events.