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SARKARA DEVI TEMPLE

28th June, 2023

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Context

  • In Kerala highcourt, a plea against the alleged mass drills and weapon training activities by RSS members has been filed.
  • As per pleas these activities are being conducted in the Sree Sarkara Devi temple in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram district.
  • Acting on the plea, the High Court of Kerala sought the response of state government.

Other Details

  • A notice was issued to respondents, Travancore Devaswom Board and alleged RSS members by a bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar.
  • It is related to Vyasan & Anr. vs. State of Kerala & Ors case.

Reasons for filing plea

  • Aggrieved parties claimed illegal encroachment of temple premises by two persons who are believed to be the member of an organization, Rashtyiya Swayamsevak Sangh.
  • In the pleas it is said that these two members are conducting mass drills and weaponry training in the temple premise everyday which is creating difficulty to the pilgrims and devotees.
  • It is disturbing the peaceful and serene atmosphere required for worship, according to the plea.
  • The orders, issued by Devaswom Commissioner and the Administrative Officer, to prevent the unauthorised use of the temple were not strictly implemented.
  • It argued that Right to worship is a fundamental right, which is being violated, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • It is also observed in the pleas that the alleged RSS members using pan masala within the temple premises.

Sarkara Devi temple

  • Situated in Chirayinkeezhu town in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, this temple is considered one of the major pilgrim destinations in South India.
  • The Goddess Bhadrakali is the presiding deity of temple.
  • Other deities gracing are Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Naga, Goddess Yakshi Amma.
  • Kaliyoottu, or Kaliyoot, festival was introduced by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma here in in 1748 and is celebrated annually here.
  • He entrusted Attingal Ranis to celebrate and make arrangements for Kaliyoot festival.
    • In this festival story related to the genesis of Kali and the feud between Kali and the demon, Darika is told and presented.
  • A 10 days festival, Meenabharani, is also celebrated in Malayalam Meenom (March – April).

Travancore Devaswom Board,

  • Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous and statutory institution that manages close to 1,200 temples in the country.
  • It was constituted under the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act XV of 1950.
  • The Sree Sarkara Devi Temple is managed by an administrative officer under the control of the this board. The famous Sabarimala temple also works under its guidance.

Must read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/geographical-indications

PRACTICE QUESTION

There are increasing legislation, petitions in context of the fundamental right to religion and worship. Is it concerning for a democracy like India? Discuss in the context of a recent plea filed against actions of few men in Sarkara Devi temple. (150 words)

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/plea-against-rss-men-holding-drills-at-sarkara-devi-temple-what-is-the-case-8689024/