Amid the continuing legal proceedings in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Kandararu Rajeevaru has sought to step down as Tantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and requested that the responsibility be handed over to his son, Kandararu Brahmadathan.
Mr. Rajeevaru has submitted a letter to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) seeking his replacement, citing health reasons. TDB officials confirmed the receipt of the letter.
“He has submitted a letter expressing his willingness to step down as the chief priest, citing ill-health, and has suggested that his son Brahmadathan be appointed in his place. Any decision on the matter will be taken with the concurrence of the High Court,” TDB president K. Jayakumar said.
Official sources said Mr. Rajeevaru had also requested that he be excluded from the interview board constituted for the selection of the Melshanthi (head priest) of the temple.
The move comes in the backdrop of Mr. Rajeevaru being named an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. According to officials, he has not participated in any temple ritual in his capacity as Tantri after being released from judicial custody and his son has been representing him at religious events.
Follows precedent
“By seeking the appointment of his son in his place, Mr. Rajeevaru appears to be following the precedent under which Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru was appointed as chief priest after his father was disqualified,” an official said.
The new development comes at a time when Mr. Rajeevaru was scheduled to assume the Tantri responsibilities during the ongoing pilgrimage season.
Mr. Rajeevaru was arrested on January 9, 2026, by the special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple. The SIT has alleged that he had a role in the chain of events leading to the removal and re-plating of gold-clad temple articles, including through his alleged association with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty.
He was in judicial custody for around 40 days before being granted bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court on February 18.
Published – July 11, 2026 06:34 pm IST
