Kochi Devaswom following the path of inefficient Travancore Devaswom

Shelter for tuskers in poor condition
Courtesy: www.newindpress.com

TRIPUNITHURA: With the Kochi Devaswom Board turning a blind eye, the spacious shelter for tuskers (anakkottil) at Sree Poornathrayeesa temple, designed by the erstwhile Kochi kings, is on the verge of collapse.

The shelter accommodates around 15 tuskers during Vrischikotsavam, the annual festival of the temple. ‘‘Temple architect Eachara Warrier, using iron beams and bolts, created this shelter and it reminds us of the special care given by the previous generation to these mute creatures,’’ said Rajeev, a native of Tripunithura.

The major part of the divine procession during Vrischikotsavam is held in the anakkottil. But tiles on its roof are missing and with rainwater seeping, it will fall anytime. A few thousands of rupees is all that needed for its repair.

From September 27, the Tripunithura group of the Kochi Devaswom Board had been spending Rs 4,350 per day (as per the written statement given by board in response to a series of questions submitted under the Right to Information Act) to hire a private tusker for conducting the routine rituals at the temple.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is also in a precarious position, said Vinayan, a devotee. Devotees demand that repairs should be done before the commencement of Vrischikotsavam.