SARKARA DEVI TEMPLE

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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/