Major Issues in the Administration of Temples in Kerala

Abstract

Temples in Kerala are centres of spirituality, but now a days, their administration faces several grave issues. The temples were once the wealthiest institutions in the society, now struggle for their day to day affairs. After the assumption of temples by the state, their properties became confiscated to the exchequer. For compensating this, government provides financial assistance to the temples in the form of annuity, which is inadequate. Temples have to depend on the mercy of the devotees for their survival. Temples in Kerala today, facing several serious issues, most of them are economic and political rather than spiritual. Politicisation of temple administration is the most important one that adversely affects temple administration. There is an ongoing debate in Kerala over the management of Hindu temples by the state. Political interference over temple administration, mismanagement of funds raised through contributions from devotees, corruption etc by politically appointed authorities are the major issues facing by the temples. Problems relating to the welfare of employees and devotees and shortage of finance, mismanagement, favoritism, misappropriation of funds, etc. are also prevailing.