Kannamala: Idol of Lord Ayyappa Removed; Protests Galore

published on March 21, 2015

Ranni: The high-handedness of a team of officers led by RDO, Thiruvalla in removing the holy idol of Lord Ayyappa from the river banks at Kanamala has led to wide spread protests from devotees. The idol of Lord Ayyappa was retrieved from the river at the confluence of Pamba and Azhutha rivers and was consecrated on the banks, with all austerities performed thereafter on a systematic basis. Infuriated devotees swarmed Kanamala Forest Station as a mark of hurt religious sentiments. It is also alleged that some of the devotees who tried to stop the officials from dislodging the sacred idol had to bear the brunt of police officers and were manhandled.
 
According to sources, the RDO of Tiruvalla, DySP, Revenue, Police and Forest officials reached the spot where the idol was consecrated, amid full security. “The time was chosen as the officials knew well enough that devotees would be sparse at this time of the day,” said eye witnesses.

“The Revenue Department officials barged into the place and uprooted the sacred idol forcefully and threw it inside a sack. They also ravaged the materials used for performing various austerities and destroyed the temporary arrangement made for housing the sacred idol. Devotees had begun gathering for the Annadanam. However, these arrogant officials ensured that the function never took place, by overturning the cauldron that contained gruel for the function. The earthen vessels were smashed and hurled into the river. They made their escape before devotees swarmed to the place upon hearing the news,” said sources.

Leaders of many Hindu organizations reached the spot to pacify upset devotees.