A temple in Kottukkal, Kerala, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has come under the spotlight after a musical concert included a song linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The song, known as the “RSS gana geetham” (prayer song), was performed during a ‘gana mela’ (musical concert) held at the temple in the early hours of Sunday. This incident has sparked a political controversy.
Some members of a professional music group reportedly sang the song, and police said there were also complaints that RSS flags were placed inside the temple area during the festival.
Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, strongly criticised the incident. He said that singing the ‘RSS ganageetham’ during a temple festival “was a matter of grave concern” and asked the Travancore Devaswom Board to take strict action against those responsible. Satheesan pointed out that such an act goes against a High Court ruling, which clearly states that temple spaces should not be used for political events.
He also said, “The Devaswom Board and the government must be prepared to act promptly and firmly against those involved.” Emphasising that temples are sacred places for all devotees, he added, “Politicising temple premises and festivals reflects a narrow-minded approach” and stressed the need for immediate corrective action.
Meanwhile, the Kadakkal police confirmed they received a complaint from a member of the temple’s advisory committee. However, a formal case has not yet been registered.
A similar issue happened recently in the same area, where songs praising the CPI(M), a political party, were reportedly sung during another temple festival. This has led to more worries about politics being brought into religious places.
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