Searching Case Laws & Precedent on Legal Query!
Scanned Judgements…!
Searching Case Laws & Precedent on Legal Query!
Scanned Judgements…!
The properties of temples and deities are protected by law, and trustees or employees are responsible for safeguarding assets against misappropriation ["Suo Motu Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 691"], ["Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented by Its Secretary VS Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit - Kerala"], ["Kadasseri Munnila vs Sree Kollakal Poroor Madom Devi Kshethram Upadesaka Samithi - Kerala"].
Analysis and Conclusion
References:- ["Devidas C. S/o Achuthankutty Menon vs Cochin Devaswom Board - Kerala"]- ["SUO MOTU Vs STATE OF KERALA - Kerala"]- ["Balakrishnan, S/o Elayan VS Sumaja, W/o Dileep Kumar - 2024 0 Supreme(Ker) 24"]- ["Suo Motu Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 691"]- ["Sabarimala Special Duty Employees vs Travancore Devaswom Board - Kerala"]- ["Suo Motu VS State of Kerala - Kerala"]- ["Manjunatha Shetty S/o Shekhappa Shetty VS Malabar Devaswom Board - Kerala"]- ["Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented by Its Secretary VS Deputy Director, Kerala State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit - Kerala"]- ["Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala, Represented By The Principal Secretary To Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department - Kerala"]- ["Hindu Seva Kendram Reg. NO. 563/IV/2019 68/991 VS State Of Kerala - Kerala"]- ["Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala, Represented By The Principal Secretary To Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department - Kerala"]- ["Suo Motu vs State Of Kerala - Kerala"]- ["Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala, Represented By The Principal Secretary To Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department, Government Secretariat - Kerala"]
Kerala's rich temple heritage is overseen by statutory bodies known as Devaswom Boards, which manage Hindu religious institutions under specific legislation. A common question among devotees, researchers, and legal professionals is: how many temples are there under Devaswom Board in Kerala? This query often seeks a statewide total, but available judicial records primarily detail the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), one of three key boards. This post draws from Kerala High Court judgments to provide clarity, emphasizing that this is general information based on public legal documents and not personalized legal advice.
Kerala has three Devaswom Boards established under the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950:- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB): Covers southern Kerala, including iconic sites like Sabarimala.- Cochin Devaswom Board: Manages temples in central Kerala.- Malabar Devaswom Board: Oversees northern Kerala temples.
These boards act as trustees, handling administration, properties, daily worship, ceremonies, and festivals as per Sections 15A, 16, and 31 of the 1950 Act. Suo Motu Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 691Suo Motu VS State of Kerala, Represented by Chief Secretary to Government, Government Secretariat - 2022 0 Supreme(Ker) 136The Temple Advisory Committee Of Moozhikkulam Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 737
While comprehensive statewide data is scarce in judicial records, the TDB's temple count is well-documented through uncontroverted affidavits in court proceedings.
According to multiple Kerala High Court references, particularly in Rajani P. Kuttan v. State of Kerala 2021 (6) KHC 513, the TDB administers 1250 temples. This figure originates from an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 filed by a TDB officer, quoted in Paragraph 59 of the judgment. The petitioners did not challenge this data, making it authoritative for legal purposes.
This 2021 figure reflects the TDB's administrative scope at the time, covering both incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms. Note that numbers may evolve, and current figures should be verified with official TDB sources.
The affidavit provides crucial context on TDB's challenges, especially during COVID-19 temple closures, which strained salary payments. Key revenue streams include:- Devotee offerings and vazhipadu (ritual offerings).- Auctions of temple premises for rituals and festivals.- Building rents (approx. ₹14 crores annually).- State contribution under Article 290A (₹80 lakhs annually). Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 217Suo Motu VS Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented By Its Secretary - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 218
Courts have emphasized TDB's trustee-like duties: The Board shall manage the properties and affairs of Aluva Devaswom and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals. This underscores accountability in auctions, staff deployments, and credential verification for roles like Vigilance Wing postings. Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 217SUO MOTU Vs STATE OF KERALA - 2022 Supreme(Online)(KER) 39634
In Sabarimala-related cases, the TDB's role is pivotal: Board is duty bound to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in Sabarimala are performed promptly. Employees must assist during festivals like Mandala-Makaravilakku, with disciplinary action for non-compliance. Suo Motu VS Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented By Its Secretary - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 218
Judicial contexts provided do not quantify temples under the Cochin or Malabar Devaswom Boards. For a full Kerala total, one would need aggregated official reports. However, TDB's 1250 represents a significant portion, given its jurisdiction over high-profile temples like Sabarimala, which subsidizes others.
The 1950 Act vests control in these boards to ensure faithful management: Duty of the trustees of the property to be faithful to the Trust and execute any document with reasonable diligence. Courts have intervened in issues like priest protests over auctions at Aluva Mahadevar Temple, affirming boards' authority. Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 217
Kerala High Court rulings reinforce board obligations:- Property Management: Robust duty to protect Devaswom properties and verify staff credentials. SUO MOTU Vs STATE OF KERALA - 2022 Supreme(Online)(KER) 39634- Festival Administration: Ensure staffing for events like Mahashivratri or Makaravilakku. Suo Motu VS Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented By Its Secretary - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 218- Accountability: Trustees must avoid losses, selling assets to best advantage. Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala - 2022 Supreme(Ker) 217
These cases, including transfer permissions and corruption probes, highlight judicial scrutiny for integrity under Sections 3, 15, 15A, 16, 24, 27, and 31.
The Travancore Devaswom Board manages 1250 temples as per consistent 2021 affidavit evidence in Kerala High Court judgments—a figure pivotal for understanding its financial and administrative burdens. Suo Motu VS State Of Kerala, Represented By The Principal Secretary To Government - 2023 0 Supreme(Ker) 268Sabarimala Special Duty Employees vs Travancore Devaswom Board - 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 45907Suo Motu Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 691Suo Motu VS State of Kerala, Represented by Chief Secretary to Government, Government Secretariat - 2022 0 Supreme(Ker) 136The Temple Advisory Committee Of Moozhikkulam Vs State Of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 737 While statewide totals require further research, this data illuminates Kerala's temple governance.
Key Takeaways:- TDB: 1250 temples, 60 self-sufficient, Sabarimala-funded.- Duties: Worship, festivals, property management under 1950 Act.- Challenges: Revenue dependency, staffing during pandemics/festivals.
Devotees and stakeholders should consult official board websites or recent reports for updates. This overview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice—seek professional counsel for specific matters.
Word count: Approximately 950
#DevaswomBoard #KeralaTemples #TempleManagement
In the temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board and Cochin Devaswom Board, there is a provision for constituting Temple Advisory Committees for the purpose of ensuring participation of Hindu devotees in the affairs of the temples. ... Devaswom Board and Cochin Devaswom Board. ... Section 76A of the Act deals with formation of Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under the Coc....
It is further submitted that among the 1250 temples managed by the Devaswom Board, only 60 major temples are self-sufficient, and the rest are being managed utilising the surplus income from Sabarimala Devaswom. ... The Financial position of the Devaswom Board:- The competent officer of the Devaswom Board filed an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 stating its financial position. It is submitted that there are 1250 temples....
It is further submitted that among the 1250 temples managed by the Devaswom Board, only 60 major temples are self- sufficient, and the rest are being managed utilising the surplus income from Sabarimala Devaswom. ... The Financial position of the Devaswom Board:- The competent officer of the Devaswom Board filed an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 stating its financial position. It is submitted that there are 1250 temples#HL_EN....
The concerned Assistant Devaswom Commissioner in the temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board and Cochin Devaswom Board and the concerned Deputy Administrator in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple shall conduct periodical inspections in those temples, in order to ensure that proper facilities ... Section 31A of the Act deals with the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under the management of the Travancore De....
It is further submitted that among the 1250 temples managed by the Devaswom Board, only 60 major temples are self-sufficient, and the rest are being managed utilising the surplus income from Sabarimala Devaswom. ... Instances are many where persons entrusted with the duty of managing and safeguarding the properties of temples, deities and Devaswom Boards have usurped and misappropriated such properties by setting up false claims of ownership or tenan....
It is further submitted that among the 1250 temples managed by the Devaswom Board, only 60 major temples are self-sufficient, and the rest are being managed utilising the surplus income from Sabarimala Devaswom. ... The Financial position of the Devaswom Board:- The competent officer of the Devaswom Board filed an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 stating its financial position. It is submitted that there are 1250 temples....
concerned, many of the temples are autonomous bodies administered in terms of the schemes framed either by the Deputy Commissioner or earlier by the District Court and the control of the Malabar Devaswom Board over such institutions in terms of the provisions of the Madras Act is only supervisory. ... The Division Bench noticed that unlike the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, and the manner of management of the different temples falling under the Travancore Devaswom#HL....
(C)No.25929 of 2022, it is for the Cochin Devaswom Board, Travancore Devaswom Board and Koodalmanikyam Devaswom to ensure that proper facilities are provided to all the devotees in the respective temples for 'Naalambala Darshanam'. 3. ... Having considered the submissions made at the Bar, this DBP is disposed of by directing Cochin Devaswom Board, Travancore Devaswom Board and Koodalmanikyam Devaswom#HL_....
As noticed in the order of this Court dated 24.08.2023, as evident from the files handed over by the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board regarding the disciplinary proceedings initiated against Devaswom employees in temples under the management of Cochin Devaswom Board, the Devaswom employees ... temples. ... , the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board. ... Chapter VIII of the Act deals ....
2021 (6) KHC 513 a Division Bench of this Court noticed that among the 1250 temples managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, only 60 major temples are self-sufficient and the rest are being managed utilising the surplus income from Sabarimala Devaswom. ... in the temples.
It is submitted that there are 1250 temples under the Administrative Control of the Devaswom Board. It is further submitted that the major sources of revenue of the Devaswom Board are the income received by way of offerings from devotees, the amount received from Vazhipadu, and the revenue generated through the auction of the temple premises for various activities in connection with rituals and festivals in the temples. The total number of sanctioned posts in various categories in the Devaswom Board is 5692, and the total number of pensioners is 5749.
It is submitted that there are 1250 temples under the Administrative Control of the Devaswom Board. The total number of sanctioned posts in various categories in the Devaswom Board is 5692, and the total number of pensioners is 5749. The Financial position of the Devaswom Board:-The competent officer of the Devaswom Board filed an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 stating its financial position. It is further submitted that the major sources of revenue of the Devaswom Board are the income received by way of offerings from devotees, the amount received from vazhipadu, and the reven....
The Financial position of the Devaswom Board:-The competent officer of the Devaswom Board filed an affidavit dated 14.06.2021 stating its financial position. It is further submitted that the major sources of revenue of the Devaswom Board are the income received by way of offerings from devotees, the amount received from vazhipadu, and the revenue generated through the auction of the temple premises for various activities in connection with rituals and festivals in the temples. It is submitted that there are 1250 temples under the Administrative Control of the Devaswom Board.#HL_END....
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