The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has categorically dismissed recent reports suggesting that funds from its surplus reserves were utilized to host the Global Ayyappa Sangamam event.
In an official statement, TDB President P.S. Prasanth clarified that not a single rupee from the board’s surplus fund was rerouted for the Sangamam. He emphasized that the TDB’s annual budget already accounts for expenditures on salaries, pensions, essential maintenance, and the organization of various religious conventions and spiritual discourses.
Dedicated Financial Management
For the current financial year, a sum of ₹5 crore had been specifically allocated within the budget under the ‘Religious Conventions and Discourses’ category. Furthermore, a dedicated savings bank account was established in the name of the Devaswom Accounts Officer solely for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, ensuring all financial transactions for the event—both incoming and outgoing—were meticulously managed through this isolated account.
“All funds for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam were acquired exclusively from sponsors; absolutely no money was drawn from the surplus fund,” Mr. Prasanth stated. The board’s statement further highlighted that the utilization of surplus funds is rigorously regulated by Section 26 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions (TCHRI) Act, ensuring strict compliance.
Although the board’s budget permits spending on religious activities, the TDB opted to cover the Global Ayyappa Sangamam’s costs through external sponsorships. Any remaining unspent funds from the event are slated to be returned to the general Devaswom fund, as confirmed in the release.
Addressing claims regarding significant expenditures on luxury hotel accommodations for certain guests in Kumarakom, Mr. Prasanth clarified that these arrangements were handled by the Secretariat’s protocol department. He confirmed that all associated expenses were covered by the protocol department, not by the Travancore Devaswom Board.