The Thiruvithamkoor Devaswom Board (TDB), the apex statutory body overseeing temple management in the Thiruvithamkoor region, has dissolved a temple advisory committee in connection with a patriotic song performed during a ganamela (musical concert) held as part of a temple festival.
In a statement issued on 27 May, the Devaswom Board said the action followed an inquiry into the rendition of a ganageetam—a patriotic chorus typically sung during daily RSS shakha gatherings. The statement also emphasised that the erection of flags belonging to political and communal organisations is strictly prohibited on temple premises. The incident took place at the Kottukal Manjipuzha Temple in Kollam district.
The Board alleged that the advisory committee committed serious lapses in connection with the event, stating that an existing order strictly prohibits the erection of flagpoles or symbols of any political or communal organisations in temples.
It further warned that stringent action would be taken against those found violating this order. The Opposition Congress party also demanded strict action. Reports indicate that the song was rendered by members of a professional music troupe during the ganamela as part of the temple’s annual celebrations.
It is noteworthy that the so-called “communal” songs in question are, in fact, patriotic in nature. Their only alleged offence appears to be their association with RSS shakhas. One of the songs is said to include the lyrics: “Parama pavithramamee mannil Bharathambaye poojikkan, punyavahini sechanamekum poonkavanangal undivide,” which translates to: “There are gardens here, irrigated by divine rivers, to worship Bharat Mata in this holiest land.” Saffron banners and decorations are also being labelled as “political and communal” by the authorities.
Kerala | Case filed over RSS patriotic song sung at a temple festival.
Kadakkal police have registered a case regarding the Gana geet, blending devotion and patriotism in homage to Bharat Mata.
Via: @eOrganiser#Kerala @RSSorg #RSS100 https://t.co/Jx5WCwHem8
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) April 10, 2025
Observers and local residents argue that the Devaswom Board’s action is politically motivated. Just last month, BJP and Hindu organisations had protested against musical concerts in temples—concerts featuring overtly pro-CPM songs—organised by advisory committees allegedly dominated by CPM members. Singer Aloshi Adams led those concerts, and reports suggest a case has been registered against him in this regard. Adams later defended himself, stating he was merely responding to audience requests. That incident took place at the Kadakkal Devi Temple.
The High Court had criticised Aloshi’s programme, questioning the Thiruvithamkoor Devaswom Board on its use of funds, stage arrangements, and general conduct. The court ruled that only devotional songs should be performed in temples—not songs glorifying a political party. It also prohibited the display of any party symbols on temple grounds. The court told the Devaswom Board: “If you have surplus funds, feed those who come to the temple. This is a temple festival, not a college union gathering.”
In light of this, it is evident that the Devaswom Board’s latest action reeks of political vendetta.
