Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

The ‘leaning' mast of Ettumanur

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new golden ‘dhwajam,' (flag mast) of the Ettumanur Mahadeva temple, consecrated four months ago using gold weighing about 6 kg, has been found to be leaning dangerously towards a side.

According to a report submitted by Devaswom Commissioner P.V. Nalinakshan Nair to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the 17.66-metre mast has been found to be leaning by 20 cm above a height of 12.37 metres.

Following complaints about the quality of the log used for making the mast, the TDB Chief Engineer had been deputed on a fact-finding mission. After surveying the mast with a theodolite, he confirmed that the mast was leaning by 20 cm.

The Devaswom Commissioner's report says that on replacing the old mast, a decision to increase the height of the pole by five feet was made by an advocate commissioner designated by the High Court for overseeing the erection and consecration of the new mast. Though the Commissioner had warned the advocate commissioner about the likely problems of increasing the height, his arguments were ignored.

As per tradition, flawless and sturdy log without sapwood should be used for the flag mast. This has been stipulated for ensuring the durability and longevity of the mast.

“As days go by the flag mast is sure to lean further and sharper as it has leaned 20 cm within a short period of four months. A fresh clamour for replacement of (the) newly-consecrated ‘leaning' Dhwajam can be considered a certainty,” the report says.

Sources of the metal

In addition to public donations and sponsorships, the board had contributed 4.68 kg gold for making the gold sheets to cover the mast. Complaints have been raised about the manner in which the funds have been expended. The Ettumanur assistant commissioner had complained about lack of transparency in accepting donations and transactions of the funds and the gold contributed by the devotees. He had sought a thorough probe into the issue.

The assistant commissioner had also urged to inform the court about a move to execute a development master-plan at the temple without the consent of the court or the board, the Commissioner's report says.

Official sources told The Hindu that the board would discuss the Commissioner's report and submit it to the Ombudsman for further action within a week.

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