Devaswom boards in Kerala: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Titodutta
Last edited February 15, 2026
VisualWikitext
>Titodutta
m clean up, typo(s) fixed: , → , (2), permenent → permanent
 
Updated formatting and improved readability
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Socio-religious trusts in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2015}}
'''Devaswom''' ({{lang-sa|dēvasvaṁ}};
'''Devaswom''' ({{langx|sa|dēvasvaṁ}};
{{translation|"Belonging to the God"}}) are socio-religious trusts in India that comprise members nominated by both government and community. [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temples and their assets and to ensure their smooth operation in accordance with traditional rituals and customs. The devaswom system notably exists in the state of [[Kerala]], where most temples are either managed by [[Government of Kerala]]-controlled devaswoms or formed by private bodies/families. The properties of each temple are deemed to be the personal property of the presiding deity the temple and are managed through a body of trustees who bear allegiance to the presiding deity.
{{translation|"Belonging to the God"}}) are socio-religious trusts in [[India]], whose members are nominated by the government and community. They oversee [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temples and their assets to ensure their smooth operation in accordance with traditional rituals and customs. The devaswom system notably exists in the state of [[Kerala]], where most temples are either managed by [[Government of Kerala]]-controlled devaswoms or private bodies or families. The properties of each temple are deemed to be the personal property of the presiding deity of the temple, and are managed through a body of trustees who bear allegiance to that deity.


The five Kerala devaswoms (Guruvayur, Travancore, Malabar, Cochin, and Koodalmanikyam) together manage nearly 3000 temples.<ref name="G Rajiv, TP Nijeesh 2012, pp 3">{{cite news |title=They Manage the Wealth of the Gods |work=The Times of India |date=4 September 2012 |page=3}}</ref>
The five Kerala devaswoms—Guruvayur, Travancore, Malabar, Cochin, and Koodalmanikyam—manage nearly 3,000 temples together.<ref name="G Rajiv, TP Nijeesh 2012, pp 3">{{cite news |title=They Manage the Wealth of the Gods |work=The Times of India |date=4 September 2012 |page=3}}</ref>
 
== Governance and administration ==
Devaswom boards are statutory autonomous bodies constituted by the government to administer, manage, and oversee [[Hindu temple|Hindu temples]] and their assets.
 
At the government level, Minister for Devaswoms is a Cabinet-level position responsible for policy formulation, oversight, and overall political leadership of the Devaswoms portfolio. The incumbent Devaswom Minister is [[V. N. Vasavan]].
 
Devaswom boards function under the administrative supervision of the [[Government of Kerala]], primarily through the Revenue (Devaswoms) Department.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Devaswom Department - Cochin Devaswom Board |url=https://www.cochindevaswomboard.org/dept.html |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=www.cochindevaswomboard.org}}</ref> The current Devaswom Secretary is M. G. Rajamanickam, IAS.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-06-20 |title=Kerala government effects bureaucratic reshuffle |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-government-effects-bureaucratic-reshuffle/article69718335.ece |access-date=2025-12-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


== Revenues ==
== Revenues ==
The five devaswoms (Guruvayur, Travancore, Malabar, Cochin, and Koodalmanikyam) earn about Rs. 1000 crore annually.<ref name="G Rajiv, TP Nijeesh 2012, pp 3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Managing-Gods-wealth-Keralas-four-Devaswoms-together-earn-Rs-1000-crore-annually/articleshow/16245083.cms |title=Managing Gods' wealth: Kerala's four Devaswoms together earn Rs 1000 crore annually |work=The Times of India |date=2012-09-04 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
The five devaswoms earn about 1,000 [[crore]] rupees annually.<ref name="G Rajiv, TP Nijeesh 2012, pp 3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Managing-Gods-wealth-Keralas-four-Devaswoms-together-earn-Rs-1000-crore-annually/articleshow/16245083.cms |title=Managing Gods' wealth: Kerala's four Devaswoms together earn Rs 1000 crore annually |work=The Times of India |date=2012-09-04 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 13: Line 21:
! Devaswom !! Annual revenue (crores of INR) !! Net assets (crores of INR) !! Number of temples !! Richest temples (annual revenue in crores (INR))
! Devaswom !! Annual revenue (crores of INR) !! Net assets (crores of INR) !! Number of temples !! Richest temples (annual revenue in crores (INR))
|-
|-
| Guruvayur || align="right" | 400 || 2500 || align="right" | 12 || Sri Guruvayurappan Temple (400)
| [[Guruvayur Devaswom Board|Guruvayur]] || align="right" | 400 || align="right" | 2500 || align="right" | 12 || Sri Guruvayurappan Temple (400)
|-
|-
| Travancore || align="right" | 390 || N.A. || align="right" | 1240 || Sabarimala Hill Shrine (200)<br />Chettikulangara Devi temple, Mavelikkara (100)
| [[Travancore Devaswom Board|Travancore]] || align="right" | 683 (2017-18)<ref>{{Cite web |last=archive |first=From our online |date=2018-10-16 |title=Travancore Devaswom Board incurred expense of Rs 678 crore in the last fiscal year: Kadakampally |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/Oct/16/travancore-devaswom-board-incurred-expense-of-rs-678-crore-in-the-last-fiscal-year-kadakampally-1886074.html |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>|| align="right" | N/A || align="right" | 1240 || Sabarimala Hill Shrine (200)<br />Chettikulangara Devi temple, Mavelikkara (100)
Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple<br />Ettumanoor Siva Temple (60)<br />Malayalappuzha Devi Temple (5.75)
Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple<br />Ettumanoor Siva Temple (60)<br />Malayalappuzha Devi Temple (5.75)
|-
|-
| Malabar || align="right" | 80 || N.A. || align="right" | 1337 || Kadambuzha Sri Parvati Temple (8)
| [[Malabar Devaswom Board|Malabar]] || align="right" | 80 || align="right" | N/A || align="right" | 1337 || Kadambuzha Sri Parvati Temple (8)
|-
|-
| Cochin || align="right" | 50 || N.A. || align="right" | 403 || Chottanikkara Devi Temple (6)
| [[Cochin Devaswom Board|Cochin]] || align="right" | 50 || align="right" | N/A || align="right" | 403 || Chottanikkara Devi Temple (6)
|-
|-
| Koodalmanikyam || align="right" | N.A. || N.A. || align="right" | 1 || [[Koodalmanikyam Temple]]
| [[Koodalmanikyam Temple|Koodalmanikyam]] || align="right" | N.A. || align="right" | N/A || align="right" | 13 || Koodalmanikyam Temple
|}
|}


== Travancore Devaswom Board ==
== Travancore Devaswom Board ==
 
The [[Travancore Devaswom Board]] is an autonomous body formed by the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1950. Sabarimala is the main income source of the Board, with 255 crore rupees accruing to it from the temple during the previous pilgrimage season.<ref name="TDB">{{cite web  | last = Nair  | first = N.J  | title = Sabarimala revenue touches record Rs 255 crore  | publisher = The Deccan Chronicle (newspaper)  | date = 17 January 2018  | url =https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170118/sabarimala-revenue-touches-record-rs-255-crore.html }}</ref> The income from the rest of the temples in Kerala was 57 crore rupees.<ref name="TDB" />
Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous body formed as per the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1950. It is one of the oldest Devaswom Board, as a successor to Travancore Royal Devaswom Commission.  The headquarters of Travancore Devaswom Board is located at Devaswom Complex in Nanthancode, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Current president of Travancore Devaswom Board is Sri.N Vasu. The first president of Travancore Devaswom Board was Sri. Mannathu Padmanabhan.Immediately after the British take over of Travancore, all temples till then, managed by different communities and families were confiscated including all its movable and immovable assets and put under the control of one institution with top control resting with the British resident. The [[Sabarimala]] temple, is the largest (in income) and most important temple of Travancore Devaswom board. The second largest temple (in income) under this board is [[Chettikulangara Devi temple]] at Mavelikkara. The third largest temple (in income) under board is [[Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple|Haripad Sree Subramanya Swami Mahakshetram]].The Constitution of the Board was based on the covenant entered into by the King of Travancore.  Sabarimala is the main income source of the board, with Rs. 255 crore accruing to it from there during the previous pilgrimage season.<ref name="TDB">{{cite web  | last = Nair  | first = N.J  | title = Sabarimala revenue touches record Rs 255 crore  | publisher = The Deccan Chronicle (newspaper)  | date = 17 January 2018  | url =https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170118/sabarimala-revenue-touches-record-rs-255-crore.html }}</ref> The income from the rest of the temples in Kerala was Rs. 57 crore.<ref name="TDB" />
 
=== Administration ===
The Board comprises President and two Members, the President and one Member is nominated by the Hindu members of the Kerala Council of Ministers and the other Member from the Hindu Members of State legislature. The term of the President and Members is for a period of three years. The headquarters of the board is in Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
 
=== Main Temples ===
*'''''[[Sabarimala|Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple]], [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta District]]'''''
*'''[[Chettikulangara Devi Temple]], [[Mavelikkara]]'''
*[[Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple|'''Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple''']]
*[[Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple|'''Sreekrishna Temple, Ambalappuzha''']]
*[[Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple]], [[Mavelikkara]]
*[[Chengannur Mahadeva Temple]]
*
*[[Mavelikkara|SreekrishnaswamyTemple, Mavelikkara]]
**
**
** 
** 
**
*[[Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple|Neyyatinkara Sree krishna swamy Temple]]
*
*[[Valiyakoikkal Temple|Valiakoikkal Temple]], [[Pandalam]]
* Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple, [[Mannar, Alappuzha]] District
* Keezhattingal Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, [[Keezhattingal (village)|Keezhattingal]], [[Attingal]], [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]]
*Kuttiyani Sree Dharma Shasta Temple, Kuttiyani, Trivandrum
*
*Cheriyanad BalaSubrahmanya Swamy temple, [[Cheriyanad]], Chengannur, Alappuzha district
*Thottakkad Sree Sankaranarayana swami Maha Temple Kottayam,
* [[:ml:Vazhappally Mahadeva Temple|Vazhappally Maha Temple]], [[Changanassery]]
* [[:ml:Mughavoor Maha Vishnu Temple|Mughavoor Maha Vishnu Temple]], Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram
* [[Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple]], [[Pathanamthitta District]]
* Adoor Parthasarathy Temple, [[Adoor]]
* [[Sreevallabha Temple]], [[Thiruvalla]], [[Pathanamthitta District]]
*
* [[Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple]], [[Ettumanoor]], [[Kottayam District]]
* [http://www.thuravoortemple.org Thuravoor temple] Narasimha Moorthy, SudharshanaMoorthy Mahakshethram, Thuravoor
* Mahadeva Temple (Hanuman Temple), Kaviyoor, [[Kaviyoor]], [[Pathanamthitta District]]
* Mookambika Devi Temple, [[North Paravur]]
* [[Malayalappuzha Devi Temple]], [[Pathanamthitta District]]
* Thirunakkara Siva Temple, [[Kottayam District]]
* [[Sreekanteswaram]] Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
* [[Religion in Kollam District#Other Temples|Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple]]
* Sreekrishna Temple, Ambalappuzha
* Mahadeva Temple, Kandiyoor, Mavelikkara
* Sreekrishna Temple, Mavelikkara
* Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom
* Devi Karthiyayani Temple, Cherthala
* Devi Karthiyayani Temple, Aroor, Alapuzha
* Goureesapattom Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
* Sree Parasurama Swamy Temple, Thiruvallam, Trivandrum
*Kunnathu Mahadeva Temple
* Mahadevar Temple, Kazhakkuttom, Trivandrum
* Sarkara Devi Temple, Chirayinkil, Trivandrum
* Kodungoor Devi Temple, Kodungoor, Kottayam District
* Agasthyacode Mahadevar Temple, Agasthyacode, Anchal, Kollam District
* Major Puthiydam Sreekrishna Swami Temple, Kayamkulam
* [[Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]], [[Kottarakkara]], [[Kollam district]]
* Major Vettikalavala Temple, Vettikavala
* Ayyapaswamy Temple, Kulathupuzha
* Ayyapaswamy Temple, Ayankavu
* Ayyappaswamy Temple, Achankovil
* Vaipur Sree Mahadevar Temple, Vaipur, Mallappally
* Kumaranchira Devi Temple, Sooranadu South, Kollam
* Sastha Temple, Sasthamcotta
* Padanayarkullanagara Temple, Karunagapply
* Kottamkullanagara Devi Temple, Chavara
* Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala.
* Hrishikesha Temple, Madamon, Pathanamthita.
* Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrikkakara, Ernakulam
* Kulappada Sreedharmasasthaswamy Temple, Kulappada, Thiruvananthapuram
* Erumely Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Erumely, Kottayam.
* Kavil Bhagavathi Temple, Changanacherry, Kottayam
* Thanganal Mahadeva Temple, Thanganal Changanacherry, Kottayam District
* Sree Subrhamanya Swami Temple, Pananchery, Trichur
* Mahadeva Temple, Pananchery, Trichur
* Sree Shankaranarayana Swami Temple, Navaikulam, Thiruvananthapuram
*Koyikkal mahadeva temple, Nedumangad
* Sreenarayana Puram Temple, Choorakkodu, Pathanamthitta
* [[Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple]], Thiruvananthapuram
* Arayoor Major Sree Mahadevar Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
* Thirumullavarom Mahavishnu Temple, Kollam
* Thrikadavoor Mahadeva Temple, Kollam
* Ashramom Sreekrishna Swamy Temple, Kollam
* Sakthikulangara Dharma Sastha Temple, Kollam
* Thiruvilangonappan Temple, Kamukumchery, Punalur
* [http://www.ramapuramdevitemple.in Ramapuram Bharanikavu Bhagavathy Temple] Ramapuram, Kayamkulam
* Devi Temple, Pattazhy, Kollam
* Peruvaram Mahadeva temple, North Paravur
* Kannankulangara Sreekrishna temple, North Paravur
* Thonniakavu bhadrakali Temple, North Paravur
* Thirupuram Sree Mahadeva Temple, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram
* Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom
* Ramapuram Sri Mahavishnu Temple, Ranni
* Aluva  mahadeva temple, aluva manappuram
*Karumadi kavil devi temple, karumadi
 
=== Governed Institutions ===
 
==== Schools ====
There are several Primary and Higher Secondary schools all over South Kerala.
 
==== Colleges ====
There are four aided colleges all over South Kerala. They are:
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100521065955/http://www.dbcsasthamcotta.edu.in/ D. B. College, Sasthamcotta], Kollam District
*[http://www.dbcollegethal.org D. B. College, Thalayolaparambu], Kottayam District
*[http://www.dbpampacollege.org D. B. Pampa College, Parumala, Mannar], Pathanamthitta District
*[http://www.travancoredevaswomboard.org Sree Ayyappa College], Eramallikkara, Chengannur, Alappuzha District [[Dewaswom Board College|&nbsp;&nbsp; '''more →''']]
 
==== Temples ====
Sree Subrahamanya Swami Temple, Pnanachery, Trichur
Mahadeva Temple, Pananchery
Sree Balasubramanyaswami Temple Cheriyanad


== Malabar Devaswom Board ==
== Malabar Devaswom Board ==
The Malabar Devaswom Board<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/ |title=Malabar Devaswom Board |publisher=Malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> was formed by the H.R & C.E (Amendment) Ordinance of 2008 of Government of Kerala. The Board consists of 9 members. There are five divisions Kasaragod Division, Thalassery Division, Kozhikode Division, Malappuram Division and Palakkad Division.
The [[Malabar Devaswom Board]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/ |title=Malabar Devaswom Board |publisher=Malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> was formed by the H.R & C.E (Amendment) Ordinance of 2008 of the Government of Kerala. The board has nine members. There are five divisions: Kasaragod Division, Thalassery Division, Kozhikode Division, Malappuram Division, and Palakkad Division. Temples are in Special Temple category and the others in A, B, C, D categories.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
Temples are in Special Temple category and the others in A, B, C, D categories. In special category are<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_atomicongallery&folder=Important+Temples&Itemid=69 |title=Photo Gallery |publisher=Malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
== Guruvayur Devaswom Board ==
'Some of the well known' temples (*All temples cannot be included)
The [[Guruvayur Devaswom Board]] was formed to administer the activities of [[Guruvayur Temple]].
*[[Thirunelli Temple|Tirunelli Temple]], Wayanad
*[[Rajarajeshwara Temple|Shree Rajarajeshwaram]], [[Taliparamba]]
*Tali Shiva Temple, Kozhikode
*Sree Subrahmanyaswami Temple, [[Payyannur]]
*Sree Mannanpurathukavu, [[Nileshwaram]]
*[[Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple]], [[Kanhangad]]
*Thaliyil Shiva temple, Nileshwaram
*[[Madhur Temple]], Kasargod
*[[Muthappan Temple|Parassini Madappura]]
*[[Kottiyoor Temple|Kottiyoor Vadakkeshwaram Temple]]
*[[Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswami Temple]], Thalassery
*Mamanikkunnu Mahadevi Temple, Irikkur
*Peralassery Temple, Makrery
*[[Madayi Kavu|Tiruvarkadu Bhagavathy Temple]], [[Valapattanam]]
*[[Sree Pisharikavu Bhagavathy Temple]], Kollam, Kozhikode
*Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple, Guruvayoor
*[[Kadampuzha Devi Temple|Kadampuzha Bhagavathi Temple]], Melmury
*Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple
*Thriprangottu Siva Temple, Thruprangottu
*[[Thirumandhamkunnu Temple]], [[Angadippuram]] (Taken on 01-08-2017)


Prominent 'Category A' temples: Cherukunnu Annapoorneswari Temple, Cherukunnu, Anantheshwaram Temple, Kasargod, [[Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple]], Valapattanam.<br />
== Cochin Devaswom Board ==
Prominent 'Category B' temples: Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Kongadu, Viswanathaswami Temple, Kalpathy, Thaliyil Neelakanda Temple, Neeleswaram. These temples are in relative lower category but are highly famous in the region.
The [[Cochin Devaswom Board]] was formed under the act of XV of Travancore–Cochin Hindu Religious institutions Act, 1950 to make provisions for the administration, supervision, and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and funds under the Ruling area of the former Cochin State. Each temples on CDB has controlled by devaswoms.


<ref>http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_thalassery.pdf</ref>
==Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board==
<ref>http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_kasaragod.pdf</ref>
The Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board is situated in [[Irinjalakuda]], [[Thrissur district]]. It manages the [[Koodalmanikyam Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Devaswom Boards - Government of Kerala, India|url=https://kerala.gov.in/devaswom-boards|publisher=Kerala.gov.in|access-date=15 October 2018|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223210419/http://kerala.gov.in/devaswom-boards|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref>http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_kozhikode.pdf</ref>
<ref>http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_malappuram.pdf</ref>
<ref>http://www.malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in/images/pdf/div_palakkad.pdf</ref>


== Guruvayur Devaswom Board ==
==Working==
The Guruvayur Devaswom Board was formed for administering the activities of [[Guruvayur Temple]].
Prior to 2015, the appointments to the various posts in the devawoms were governed by the provisions in the Madras Hindu Religious Act and Charitable Endowment Act 1951, Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Act 2005, Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act 1950, and Guruvayoor Devaswom Act 1978.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-government-to-constitute-devaswom-recruitment-board/articleshow/48031152.cms|title=Kerala government to constitute Devaswom Recruitment Board|access-date= 12 March 2020}}</ref>


=== Administration ===
In 2015, based on the recommendations by the [[K. S. Paripoornan|Justice Paripoornan Commission]], the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]-led [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|UDF]] government set up an autonomous body for recruitment in the Dewaswom Boards.<ref name="auto"/>
Administrative office started functioning since 1997. The day-to-day administration is to be looked after by an Administrator appointed by the [[Government of Kerala]]. The Managing Committee includes the Tantri of the temple,The karanavar of mallissery illam, samoothiri raja and Government Nominated 6 members including a representative from the Guruvayur devaswom permanent employees.


===Educational institutions===
===Reservation===
* [[Sree Krishna Higher Secondary School, Guruvayur]]
About half of the Devaswom board recruitments are based on reservation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/reservation-kerala-government-pinarayi-vijayan-reservation-for-economically-weaker-in-kerala-493891/|title=Devaswom boards: Kerala govt announces 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker among Hindu forward communities|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur]]
* [[Ezhava]] (17%)
* Hindu OBC excluding Ezhava (6%)
* [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|SC/ST]] (12%)
* Economically backward High caste Hindus (10%)


== Cochin Devaswom Board ==
==Issues and Controversies==
The Cochin Devaswom Board was formed under the act of XV of Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious institutions Act,1950 to make provisions for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and funds under the Ruling area of the former Cochin State. Each temples on CDB has controlled by devaswoms. The financial aspects of each devaswoms are handled by following groups.


* Chottanikkara
=== Financial mismanagement and audit issues during 2026 ''Global Ayyappa Sangamam'' ===
* Thrissur
Kerala Devaswom Boards, particularly the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), have faced repeated allegations of financial mismanagement, with courts and audit authorities flagging serious irregularities in accounting and auditing practices.
* Thiruvanchikulam
* Thiruvilwamala
* Thripunithura


=== Main Temples ===
In 2025–26, the [[Kerala High Court]] examined the audited accounts of the ''Global Ayyappa Sangamam'', an event organised by the [[Travancore Devaswom Board]], and found several irregularities. The court found that there has been discrepancies between the Board’s public claims and the figures shown in the audit report, including improper accounting of items distributed to devotees such as ''aravana'', ''appam'', and other ritual materials.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala High Court flags audit irregularities in Global Ayyappa Sangamam accounts |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/kerala-high-court-flags-audit-irregularities-in-global-ayyappa-sangamam-accounts/ |work=The South First |date=11 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala HC asks TDB to explain irregularities found in audited accounts of Global Ayyappa Sangamam |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/kerala-hc-asks-tdb-to-explain-irregularities-found-in-audited-accounts-of-global-ayyappa-sangamam-1503555323.html |work=The Statesman |date=12 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> The High Court also stated that audited figures appeared to contradict earlier statements by Devaswom authorities regarding sponsorship receipts and reimbursements.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explain ‘irregularities’ in Global Ayyappa Sangamam, HC asks TDB |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/explain-irregularities-in-global-ayappa-conclave-hc-asks-tdb-101770838329744.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=12 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref>
* [[Chottanikkara Temple]] or [[Sree Rajarajeswari Temple]], [[Chottanikkara]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Vadakkunnathan Temple]], [[Thrissur]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple]] or [[Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple]] , [[Kodungallur]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple]] or [[Thriprayar Temple]], [[Thriprayar]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Sree Poornathrayesa Temple]], [[Tripunithura]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Ernakulam Shiva Temple]] or Ernakulathappan Temple, [[Ernakulam]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Thiruvanchikulam Temple]], [[Kodungallur]], [[Thrissur district]]
* Thiruvilwamala [[Vilwadrinatha Temple]], [[Thiruvilwamala]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple]], South Chittoor, [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Chittoorkavu Devi Temple]], Chittur, [[Palakkad district]]
* Pazhayannur Bhagawathy Temple, [[Pazhayannur]], [[Thrissur district]]
* Nelluvay Dhanwanthari Temple, [[Nelluwaya]], [[Thrissur district]]
* Uthralikkavu Bhagavathi Temple, [[Wadakkancherry]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Arattupuzha Temple]], [[Arattupuzha]], [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Ammathiruvadi Temple]], Urakam, [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple]], Peruvnam, [[Thrissur district]]
* [[Sri Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple]], [[Nemmara]], [[Palakkad district]]
* [[Malamakkavu Ayyappa Temple]], [[Koodallur]], [[Palakkad district]]
* [[Tirunettur Mahadeva Temple]], [[Nettoor]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Annamanada Mahadeva Temple]], [[Annamanada]], [[Thrissur district]]
* Elamkunnapuzha Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple, [[Elamkunnapuzha]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* Cheranalloor Bhagavathy Temple, [[Cheranallur]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Chakkamkulangara Siva Temple]], [[Tripunithura]], [[Ernakulam district]]
* [[Thanikkudam Bhagavathi Temple]], [[Thanikkudam]], [[Thrissur district]]


=== Educational institutions ===
The Travancore Devaswom Board rejected media reports on the audit findings and described them as misleading. The Board maintained that the expenditures were legitimate and that clarifications would be provided before the court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Travancore Devaswom Board responds to audit allegations |url=https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/travancore-devaswom-board-responds-to-audit-allegations-51543.html |work=Awaz The Voice |date=13 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> The Kerala government distanced itself from the controversy, stating that financial accountability for the event lay solely with the Travancore Devaswom Board. Ministers indicated that the Board was responsible for clarifying audit objections and any reported financial losses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Global Ayyappa Sangamam loss: Kerala govt shies away from responsibility |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/global-ayyappa-sangamam-loss-kerala-govt-shies-away-from-responsibility/articleshow/128212218.cms |work=The Times of India |date=10 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref>
* [[Sree Kerala Varma College]], [[Thrissur]]
* [[Sree Vivekananda College, Kunnamkulam]]


==Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board==
=== Political interference and appointments ===
The Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board is situated in [[Irinjalakuda]], [[Thrissur district]]. It manages the [[Koodalmanikyam Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Devaswom Boards - Government of Kerala, India|url=https://kerala.gov.in/devaswom-boards|publisher=Kerala.gov.in|access-date=15 October 2018}}</ref>
In 2025, the appointment [[K. Jayakumar]], as the president of the Travancore Devaswom Board became the subject of legal scrutiny when a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer challenged the appointment in the Kerala High Court. The petitioner argued that the appointment violated provision which says a government employee cant be chosen as president.<ref>{{cite news |title=IAS officer moves court challenging appointment of Travancore Devaswom Board president |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/12/05/b-ashok-moves-court-seeking-disqualification-k-jayakumar-tdb-president.html |work=Onmanorama |date=5 December 2025 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref>


==Working==
In 2025, the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] alleged violations of established recruitment norms. The BJP state general secretary M.T.Ramesh alleged that the CPM workers are being appointed as employees under Guruvayur Dewaswom and money is being collected from jobseekers to conduct Dewaswom recruitment exams.<ref>{{cite news |title=BJP calls for probe into alleged irregularities in Devaswom Board appointments |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/10/23/bjp-calls-for-cbi-probe-into-devaswom-board-irregularities |work=The New Indian Express |date=23 October 2025 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref>
Prior to 2015 the appointments to the various posts in the Dewaswam Boards were governed by the provisions in the Madras Hindu Religious Act and Charitable Endowment Act 1951, Koodalmanickam Devaswom Act 2005, Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act 1950 and Guruvayoor Devaswom Act 1978.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-government-to-constitute-devaswom-recruitment-board/articleshow/48031152.cms|title=Kerala government to constitute Devaswom Recruitment Board|access-date= 12 March 2020}}</ref> In 2015,based on the recommendations by the Justice Paripoornan Commission the Congress led UDF government set up an autonomous body for recruitment in the Dewaswam Boards.<ref name="auto"/>


===Reservation===
=== Administrative and governance failures ===
About half of the Devaswom board recruitments are based on reservation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/reservation-kerala-government-pinarayi-vijayan-reservation-for-economically-weaker-in-kerala-493891/|title=Devaswom boards: Kerala govt announces 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker among Hindu forward communities|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>
The Kerala High Court has on multiple occasions criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for administrative inefficiencies, including failure to establish effective internal vigilance systems, delays in addressing complaints of malpractice and crowd management.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala High Court issues guidelines to improve vigilance system in Travancore Devaswom temples |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/01/29/kerala-high-court-issues-tdb-temple-vigilance-guidelines.html |work=Onmanorama |date=29 January 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-11-19 |title=Kerala HC pulls up TDB for poor crowd management at Sabarimala |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-hc-pulls-up-tdb-for-poor-crowd-management-at-sabarimala/article70299175.ece |access-date=2026-02-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-12-03 |title=Case against Cochin Devaswom Board in Kerala for violating distance norms while parading elephants at temple |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/case-against-cochin-devaswom-board-in-kerala-for-violating-distance-norms-while-parading-elephants-at-temple/article68941777.ece |access-date=2026-02-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
*[[Ezhava]](17%)
*Hindu OBC excluding Ezhava(6%)
*SC/ST(12%)
*Economically backward High caste Hindus(10%)


==Attempt to abolish Devaswom==
Administrative failures, inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination, and lapses in enforcement during peak pilgrimage seasons have drawn criticism from the Kerala High Court over poor crowd control and pilgrim safety at major temples.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala temples face criticism over crowd management and safety lapses |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/10/05/kerala-temples-extortion-warning.html |work=Onmanorama |date=5 October 2025 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala: HC slams CPM-controlled Kochi Devaswom Board for deploying bouncers for crowd management during festival |url=https://www.vsktelangana.org/Encyc/2025/12/6/kerala-hc-slams-controlled-kochi-devaswom-board-rowd-management-during-festival.html |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=www.vsktelangana.org |language=en}}</ref>
The Supreme Court in 2018 agreed to examine the petition moved by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and TG Mohan Das to abolish Devaswom Board. The bench of Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph issued notice to the Kerala government and Devaswom Board of Travanacore and Cochin and sought their response in six weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/oct/13/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-kerala-on-devaswom-board-1884903.html|title=Supreme Court issues notice to Kerala on Devaswom Board|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> In 2019, the Kerala government opposed Subramanian Swamy's plea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kerala-opposes-swamy-s-plea-to-make-devaswom-boards-free-of-state-s-control-119012301349_1.html|title=Kerala opposes Swamy's plea to make Devaswom boards free of state's control|agency=Press Trust of India|date=23 January 2019|via=Business Standard|newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref>
===Attempt to abolish Devaswom===
In 2018, the [[Supreme Court of India]] agreed to examine the petition started by [[Subramanian Swamy]] and [[T. G. Mohandas]] to abolish government interference in temples through the devaswom board. [[U. U. Lalit]] and [[K. M. Joseph]] issued notice to the Government of Kerala and Devaswom Board of Travanacore and Cochin, and sought their response in six weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/oct/13/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-kerala-on-devaswom-board-1884903.html|title=Supreme Court issues notice to Kerala on Devaswom Board|website=The New Indian Express|date=13 October 2018 }}</ref> In 2019, the Government of Kerala opposed Swamy's plea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kerala-opposes-swamy-s-plea-to-make-devaswom-boards-free-of-state-s-control-119012301349_1.html|title=Kerala opposes Swamy's plea to make Devaswom boards free of state's control|agency=Press Trust of India|date=23 January 2019|via=Business Standard|newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


Line 251: Line 91:


{{DEFAULTSORT:Devaswom Boards in Kerala}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Devaswom Boards in Kerala}}
[[Category:Hindu organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kerala]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kerala]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Kerala]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Kerala]]
[[Category:Hindu organisations based in India]]

Latest revision as of 14:28, 15 February 2026


Devaswom (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; transl. "Belonging to the God") are socio-religious trusts in India, whose members are nominated by the government and community. They oversee Hindu temples and their assets to ensure their smooth operation in accordance with traditional rituals and customs. The devaswom system notably exists in the state of Kerala, where most temples are either managed by Government of Kerala-controlled devaswoms or private bodies or families. The properties of each temple are deemed to be the personal property of the presiding deity of the temple, and are managed through a body of trustees who bear allegiance to that deity.

The five Kerala devaswoms—Guruvayur, Travancore, Malabar, Cochin, and Koodalmanikyam—manage nearly 3,000 temples together.[1]

Governance and administration[edit | edit source]

Devaswom boards are statutory autonomous bodies constituted by the government to administer, manage, and oversee Hindu temples and their assets.

At the government level, Minister for Devaswoms is a Cabinet-level position responsible for policy formulation, oversight, and overall political leadership of the Devaswoms portfolio. The incumbent Devaswom Minister is V. N. Vasavan.

Devaswom boards function under the administrative supervision of the Government of Kerala, primarily through the Revenue (Devaswoms) Department.[2] The current Devaswom Secretary is M. G. Rajamanickam, IAS.[3]

Revenues[edit | edit source]

The five devaswoms earn about 1,000 crore rupees annually.[1][4]

Devaswom Annual revenue (crores of INR) Net assets (crores of INR) Number of temples Richest temples (annual revenue in crores (INR))
Guruvayur 400 2500 12 Sri Guruvayurappan Temple (400)
Travancore 683 (2017-18)[5] N/A 1240 Sabarimala Hill Shrine (200)
Chettikulangara Devi temple, Mavelikkara (100)

Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple
Ettumanoor Siva Temple (60)
Malayalappuzha Devi Temple (5.75)

Malabar 80 N/A 1337 Kadambuzha Sri Parvati Temple (8)
Cochin 50 N/A 403 Chottanikkara Devi Temple (6)
Koodalmanikyam N.A. N/A 13 Koodalmanikyam Temple

Travancore Devaswom Board[edit | edit source]

The Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous body formed by the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1950. Sabarimala is the main income source of the Board, with 255 crore rupees accruing to it from the temple during the previous pilgrimage season.[6] The income from the rest of the temples in Kerala was 57 crore rupees.[6]

Malabar Devaswom Board[edit | edit source]

The Malabar Devaswom Board[7] was formed by the H.R & C.E (Amendment) Ordinance of 2008 of the Government of Kerala. The board has nine members. There are five divisions: Kasaragod Division, Thalassery Division, Kozhikode Division, Malappuram Division, and Palakkad Division. Temples are in Special Temple category and the others in A, B, C, D categories.[citation needed]

Guruvayur Devaswom Board[edit | edit source]

The Guruvayur Devaswom Board was formed to administer the activities of Guruvayur Temple.

Cochin Devaswom Board[edit | edit source]

The Cochin Devaswom Board was formed under the act of XV of Travancore–Cochin Hindu Religious institutions Act, 1950 to make provisions for the administration, supervision, and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and funds under the Ruling area of the former Cochin State. Each temples on CDB has controlled by devaswoms.

Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board[edit | edit source]

The Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board is situated in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district. It manages the Koodalmanikyam Temple.[8]

Working[edit | edit source]

Prior to 2015, the appointments to the various posts in the devawoms were governed by the provisions in the Madras Hindu Religious Act and Charitable Endowment Act 1951, Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Act 2005, Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act 1950, and Guruvayoor Devaswom Act 1978.[9]

In 2015, based on the recommendations by the Justice Paripoornan Commission, the Congress-led UDF government set up an autonomous body for recruitment in the Dewaswom Boards.[9]

Reservation[edit | edit source]

About half of the Devaswom board recruitments are based on reservation.[10]

  • Ezhava (17%)
  • Hindu OBC excluding Ezhava (6%)
  • SC/ST (12%)
  • Economically backward High caste Hindus (10%)

Issues and Controversies[edit | edit source]

Financial mismanagement and audit issues during 2026 Global Ayyappa Sangamam[edit | edit source]

Kerala Devaswom Boards, particularly the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), have faced repeated allegations of financial mismanagement, with courts and audit authorities flagging serious irregularities in accounting and auditing practices.

In 2025–26, the Kerala High Court examined the audited accounts of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, an event organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board, and found several irregularities. The court found that there has been discrepancies between the Board’s public claims and the figures shown in the audit report, including improper accounting of items distributed to devotees such as aravana, appam, and other ritual materials.[11][12] The High Court also stated that audited figures appeared to contradict earlier statements by Devaswom authorities regarding sponsorship receipts and reimbursements.[13]

The Travancore Devaswom Board rejected media reports on the audit findings and described them as misleading. The Board maintained that the expenditures were legitimate and that clarifications would be provided before the court.[14] The Kerala government distanced itself from the controversy, stating that financial accountability for the event lay solely with the Travancore Devaswom Board. Ministers indicated that the Board was responsible for clarifying audit objections and any reported financial losses.[15]

Political interference and appointments[edit | edit source]

In 2025, the appointment K. Jayakumar, as the president of the Travancore Devaswom Board became the subject of legal scrutiny when a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer challenged the appointment in the Kerala High Court. The petitioner argued that the appointment violated provision which says a government employee cant be chosen as president.[16]

In 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged violations of established recruitment norms. The BJP state general secretary M.T.Ramesh alleged that the CPM workers are being appointed as employees under Guruvayur Dewaswom and money is being collected from jobseekers to conduct Dewaswom recruitment exams.[17]

Administrative and governance failures[edit | edit source]

The Kerala High Court has on multiple occasions criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for administrative inefficiencies, including failure to establish effective internal vigilance systems, delays in addressing complaints of malpractice and crowd management.[18][19][20]

Administrative failures, inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination, and lapses in enforcement during peak pilgrimage seasons have drawn criticism from the Kerala High Court over poor crowd control and pilgrim safety at major temples.[21][19][22]

Attempt to abolish Devaswom[edit | edit source]

In 2018, the Supreme Court of India agreed to examine the petition started by Subramanian Swamy and T. G. Mohandas to abolish government interference in temples through the devaswom board. U. U. Lalit and K. M. Joseph issued notice to the Government of Kerala and Devaswom Board of Travanacore and Cochin, and sought their response in six weeks.[23] In 2019, the Government of Kerala opposed Swamy's plea.[24]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "They Manage the Wealth of the Gods". The Times of India. 4 September 2012. p. 3.
  2. ↑ "Devaswom Department - Cochin Devaswom Board". www.cochindevaswomboard.org. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "Kerala government effects bureaucratic reshuffle". The Hindu. 20 June 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Managing Gods' wealth: Kerala's four Devaswoms together earn Rs 1000 crore annually". The Times of India. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  5. ↑ archive, From our online (16 October 2018). "Travancore Devaswom Board incurred expense of Rs 678 crore in the last fiscal year: Kadakampally". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Nair, N.J (17 January 2018). "Sabarimala revenue touches record Rs 255 crore". The Deccan Chronicle (newspaper).
  7. ↑ "Malabar Devaswom Board". Malabardevaswom.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  8. ↑ "Devaswom Boards - Government of Kerala, India". Kerala.gov.in. Archived from the original on 23 February 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Kerala government to constitute Devaswom Recruitment Board". Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  10. ↑ "Devaswom boards: Kerala govt announces 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker among Hindu forward communities". Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  11. ↑ "Kerala High Court flags audit irregularities in Global Ayyappa Sangamam accounts". The South First. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  12. ↑ "Kerala HC asks TDB to explain irregularities found in audited accounts of Global Ayyappa Sangamam". The Statesman. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  13. ↑ "Explain 'irregularities' in Global Ayyappa Sangamam, HC asks TDB". Hindustan Times. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  14. ↑ "Travancore Devaswom Board responds to audit allegations". Awaz The Voice. 13 February 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  15. ↑ "Global Ayyappa Sangamam loss: Kerala govt shies away from responsibility". The Times of India. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  16. ↑ "IAS officer moves court challenging appointment of Travancore Devaswom Board president". Onmanorama. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  17. ↑ "BJP calls for probe into alleged irregularities in Devaswom Board appointments". The New Indian Express. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  18. ↑ "Kerala High Court issues guidelines to improve vigilance system in Travancore Devaswom temples". Onmanorama. 29 January 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Kerala HC pulls up TDB for poor crowd management at Sabarimala". The Hindu. 19 November 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  20. ↑ "Case against Cochin Devaswom Board in Kerala for violating distance norms while parading elephants at temple". The Hindu. 3 December 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  21. ↑ "Kerala temples face criticism over crowd management and safety lapses". Onmanorama. 5 October 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  22. ↑ "Kerala: HC slams CPM-controlled Kochi Devaswom Board for deploying bouncers for crowd management during festival". www.vsktelangana.org. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  23. ↑ "Supreme Court issues notice to Kerala on Devaswom Board". The New Indian Express. 13 October 2018.
  24. ↑ "Kerala opposes Swamy's plea to make Devaswom boards free of state's control". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 23 January 2019 – via Business Standard.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Devaswom_boards_in_Kerala&oldid=451334"
Discover more