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Guruvayur Devaswom is a Statutory and Independent body created for the governing and management of 12 temples in Kerala assigned to it. With the passing of Madras Regulation Act in the year 1817, temples were brought under the control of East India Company, a corporate organisation. The concept of temple included its premises and wealth. However, from 1925, temples were brought under government control with the passing of State Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. Under this Act, the state governments exercised power for the formation of Temple Development Boards for major temples with the members from local city.

History and Objective

Guruvayur Devaswom manages around 12 temples including Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, in Kerala. Till Pre-British era temple management was with local members of town. Temple was a place of many cultural activities and social development place wish rest houses, cow dwelling places, and community halls. Temple Development Boards for many temples in India are created for the maintenance and governing of the affairs of temple. Post Independence temples were brought under the administration of State Governments with the formation of States Religious and Charitable Endowments Act.

Composition

Guruvayur Devaswom Managing committee includes Chairman,Members and Administrator appointed by State Government.

Guruvayur Devaswom is headed by its Chairman Dr VK Vijayan.

Roles and Responsibilities

Guruvayur Devaswom is formed for following roles and responsibilities:

• Ensuring performance of rituals.
• Ensuring accounting of collections.
• Development and maintenance of temples in other towns.
• Ensuring security of the temple property.
• Ensuring welfare of pilgrims.
• Look after welfare of staff.
• Hygiene preparation of Prasad.
• Road Maintenance and drinking water supply in premises.

References

1. "Kerala HC directs Pinarayi Vijayan govt to return Rs 10 crore donation from Guruvayur temple board". India Legal. 19 December 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
2. ^ "Indian govt won't be any different from British if Hindus can't manage their own temples". ThePrint. 8 April 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
3. ^ "Why India's temples must be freed from government control". Firstpost. 25 March 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
4. "Guruvayur: Krishnachandran Namboothiri new head priest; Dr VK Vijayan new chairman of Devaswom". English.Mathrubhumi. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
5. "'Letting non-Hindus run Hindu temples a mockery of secularism'". The Sunday Guardian Live. 22 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
6. "Telangana may not invite PM to Yadadri temple function". Hindustan Times. 21 February 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
7. "No entry to Nalambalam in Guruvayur temple". The Hindu. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
8. "Guruvayur temple to reopen today". The Hindu. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
9. "Tirupathi temple board to build temple, spiritual centre in J&K, gets land lease for 40 years". ThePrint. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
10. "Firhad Hakim is chairman of Tarakeshwar Development Board, not Mandir Trust". millenniumpost.in. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
11. Mungara, Sunil (7 December 2021). "Hyderabad: Yadadri temple getting ready for inaugural | Hyderabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
12. "Jammu: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board initiates development of 'Shankaracharya temple' in Katra | Jammu News - Times of India". The Times of India. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.

External links

• Official website

• Guruvayur
• Hindu organisations based in India