administration of devaswom boards and temples in kerala · 2018-07-04 · mark twain (top 30 famous...

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Chapter 4

Administration of Devaswom Boards

and Temples in Kerala

4.1 Introduction

Temple, according to Oxford dictionary, is an edifice or place devoted to

divine worship. Each community call it differently- Church by Christians, Mosque

or Masjid by Muslims, Pagoda by Bhuddhists, Gurudwara by Sikhs, etc. Even

among Hindus the temples have different names at different places, such as

Ambalam, Devalaya, Kovil, Mandiram, Devasthanam, etc. For an ordinary Hindu, it

is threshold to Bhakthi, which leads to Moksha or final liberation. (Jayashanker,

1997)1

India has an ancient civilization that is preserved in its religion, customs,

traditions and architecture. It has a distinctive culture and a way of life. It abounds in

temples that would certainly attract many visitors. The geographic land of India has

several marks of faith spread all across its length and breadth. “India has two million

gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the

only millionaire.” Mark Twain (Top 30 famous temples in India, 2015)2. Indian

religion especially Hindu faith offers numerous gods and goddesses to seek

blessings from.

Temples in Kerala extends from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasarakode with

varying shrines. The temples in Kerala have been all the time an amazing factor for

its uniqueness in structure, rituals, tradition, offerings, festivals, customs etc. Some

of these are even connected with our great epics, the Ramayana and the

Mahabharatha. The national agenda for us, therefore, shall be to preserve and

nurture this invaluable tradition that has been bequeathed to us from time

immemorial and thereby to uphold the greatness of our culture. An average Keralite

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hindu feels that their day starts with the prayer and offering in the temple with a bath

either in the pond nearby or in the house itself with a divine circumstance.

All temples of Kerala are managed by Devaswoms. Devaswom means

properties of god (Deva means God and Swom mean ownership in Sanskrit). Thus it

is a social system, by which all properties of each temple are declared as personal

property of presiding deity of each temple and managed through a body of trustees

who bear allegiance to the presiding deity.

4.2 Devaswom/Brahmaswom/Rajaswom

The word dewaswom is used in Isaanasiva Gurudeva Paddathi (Kriyapaada,

patala 20, sloka 16) which indicates that Devaswom covers village temples, cows

belonging to them, etc. Dewaswom is a socio-religious trust with government or

society /community nominated members as trustees to manage temples and its assets

and ensure smooth functioning of temple as per traditional rituals and customs. This

system is normally found in Kerala, where almost all temples are either managed by

Government controlled Dewaswoms as a cluster for temples which falls under its

direct administration or formed by private bodies / families.

The system of forming Devaswoms is relatively new, a practice started in

late 17th century. Prior to that, most temples either had Brahmaswoms or

Rajaswoms. In the Brahmaswoms system, each temple and all of its assets are

considered to be the private property of its chief priest, normally from Brahmin

Nampoothiri families. Rajaswoms are, where the properties belong to ruling feudal

lords or Nair families or even small royal families. This system has created intense

corruption as well as political rivalry, especially in case of Rajaswom ruled temples,

thus losing sanctity. In many cases during wars, the rival army targets the temples,

as the opening of the temple gates to a rival army signals the defeat of ruling family.

4.3 Acts governing Temple Administration in Kerala

Kerala state is comprised of the regions taken from the erstwhile Malabar

and South Kanara districts of Madras Presidency and the Travancore- Cochin State.

The Acts and regulations which were in force in the respective regions were

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continued to be followed in the newly constituted Kerala state. So far no uniform

law has been made though the matter is in the active consideration of the

Government. The temples in Kerala are governed by the Act of 1950 and 1951.

In addition a separate enactment (Act of 25 of 1971) was made for the Sree

Krishna Temple. This Act was nullified by an order of the High Court of Kerala.

Therefore subsequently an ordinance was issued in 1977 (25 of 1977) which was

replaced by an amended Act in 1978(Act 14 of 1978). This Act came into force on

21st March 1980. By a separate notification No Go (MS) 828/81/RD dated 25th July

1981 the Government of Kerala amended the Rules for depositing the amounts

received by Guruvayur Devaswom in all Co- operative Urban Banks or Scheduled

Banks. The Act of 1950 and 1951 provides for the constitution of Travancore,

Cochin and Malabar Devaswom Boards in Kerala. However, the old concepts of

Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore still persist in the Statute Book. The Act in force

and their jurisdiction are given in table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Important Acts related with temple administration in Kerala

Sl No Act name District/Area (1996)

1 The Act XIX of 1951 (Madras) as amended in 1954

Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram districts and Palakkad (excluding portion of ChitturTaluk) district, ChavakkaduTaluk of Thrissur District and portion of Cochin Taluk of Ernakulam District.

2 Travancore Cochin Hindu Religious Institution Act, 1950 (Act of XV1950)

Portion of ChitturTaluk (which formed part of erstwhile Cochin State), Ernakulam district(excluding portion of Cochin Taluk) and Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

3 GuruvayurDevaswom Act of 1978 (Act 14 of 1978)

Sree Krishna Temple Guruvayur and its Keezhedams(minor temples administred by them)

(Source: Compiled from (Jayashanker, 1997) 3

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4.4 Organisation Structure of Devaswom Boards in Kerala

The four devaswoms Boards (Guruvayur, Travancore, Malabar and Cochin)

together manage nearly 3000 temples in Kerala. The organization structure of

Devaswom Boards in Kerala are given in Figure 4.1

Figure 4.1

Organisation structure of Devaswom Boards in Kerala

Devaswom Minister

Chief Secretary

Additional Secretary, Revenue (Devaswom)

Devaswom Commissioner

Managing Committee

4.5 Devaswom Boards in Kerala

The administration and /or supervision of temples under the Kerala state are

entrusted with five basic Devaswom Boards namely Travancore Devaswom Board

(TDB), Cochin Devaswom Board(CDB), Koodal Manikyam Devaswom Board

(KDB), Guruvayur Devaswom Board(GDB) and Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB).

(Govt. of Kerala, 2012)4Four important Devaswom Boards (TDB, CDB, GDB and

MDB) and their functions are separately analysed.

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4. 5. 1 Travancore Devaswom Board

Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous body formed under

Travancore Hindu Religious Institution Act “XV” of 1950. It is entrusted with the

task of administering 1249 temples in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore

comprised in the state of Kerala which were earlier administered by the ruler of

Travancore prior to the integration of the princely state of Travancore and Cochin in

1949. The Constitution of the Board was based on the Covenant entered into by

Maharaja of Travancore in May 1949 and concurred and guaranteed by the

Government of India.

The Board comprises of President and two members. One member shall be

nominated by the Hindus among the council of Ministers and the other member shall

be elected by the Hindus among the members of the Legislative Assembly of the

State of Kerala. The term of President and members is for a period of three years. It

has a Secretariat and its headquarters is at Nanthencode, Thiruvananthapuram,

headed by the Secretary of the Board. Sabarimala temple also has been administered

by it. The second largest temple under this board is Chettikulangara temple at

Mavelikkara. The Constitution of the Board was based on the covenant entered into

by the King of Travancore.

4.5.1.1 Administration of Travancore Devaswom Board

The administration of Travancore Devaswom Board is mainly carried out

through Board members who are assisted by commissionerate and various

departments under it. The administration divisions (Travancore Devaswom Board,

2015)5 under Travancore Devaswom Board consists of :

1. Board: Consists of President and two members

2. Commissionerate: is headed by Devaswom Commissioner and assisted by

seven Deputy commissioners namely Pension and Service Grevance and

Redressel Cell ( P&SGR) , Administration, Inspection, Thiruvananthapuram,

Pattanamthitta, Harippadu and Vaikam.

3. Accounts: is headed by Devaswom Accounts Officer

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4. Audit: under Finance and accounts officer

5. Works Department: Headed by Chief engineer in General and one chief

engineer

6. Sabarimala Executive Office: Headed by Special Commissioner

7. Law Department

8. Vigilance and Security

9. Cultural Department

10. Thiruvabharanam

4.5.1.2 Administrative Offices under the Travancore Devaswom Board

Administrative offices under the Travancore Devaswom Board are twenty

one under the charge of Assistant Devaswom Commissioner except Sabarimala

(Executive Officer). In addition to Executive Officer there is Special Commissioner

for Sabarmala Group. Sabarimala Group includes Sabarimala Devaswom, Pamba

Devaswom and Nilakkal Devaswom. The administrative offices under Travancore

Devaswom Board include:

1) Neyyattinkara Group-

2) Thiruvananthapuram Group

3) Ulloor Group

4) Varkala Group

5) Kollam Group

6) Punaloor Group

7) Kottarakkara Group

8) Karunagappalli Group

9) Ambalappuzha Group

10) Mavelikkara Group

11) Harippadu Group

12) Aranmula Group

13) ThiruvallaGoup

14) Mundakayam Group

15) Changanassery Group

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16) Kottayam Group

17) Ettumanoor Group

18) Vaikom Group

19) Thrikkariyoor Group

20) Paravoor Group

21) Sabarimala Group

4.5.1.3 Important Temples under the Board

Temples under the TDB are categorised under four heads namely Grade I,

Grade II, Grade III and PD temples. In Grade I temples there is more than three

poojas daily and the temples are opened in the morning and evening. Grade II

temples are opened in the morning and evening and Grade III temples are opened

only once in a day. PD(personal Deposit) Temples are those where accounting is

done seperately as per rules. Grade wise distribution of temples are presented in

Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Grade-wise temples under Travancore Devaswom Board

Sl no Grade Number of temples Percentage

1 Grade I Temples 237 19

2 Grade II Temples 479 38

3 Grade III Temples 481 39

4 Personal Deposits 52 4

Total 1249 100 Source: (Travancore Devaswom Board, 2013)6

Out of 1249 temples under the administration of the Board, 237 temples are

Grade I temples. Grade III temples are more under the TDB, that is, 481/1249

which constitute 39% of total. Grade II Temples are in the second place as regards

number, ie 479/1249 (38%). PD temples are very less and it constitutes only 4% of

total.Pie diagram showing gradewise temples under TDB are givenin figure 4.2.

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4.5.2 Cochin Devaswom Board

The political sovereignty of Zamorin over Cochin ceased by 937 ME (1762

AD) consequent on signing the Treaty by Travancore and Cochin. The immediate

impact as stated earlier was the confiscation of properties of Yogaathiri and

Ooraalaars and thereby the temples managed by them came under the administration

of Sarkkar (Government). Subsequently several other minor temples were also taken

over by the Sarkkar on the ground of mismanagement. Thus large number of

temples came under the management of the Sarkkar.

However, Col. Munroe, the British Resident and whom later appointed as

Diwan of Cochin in 1812, was responsible for bringing effective controls on

temples. Col. Munroe recommended that all Dewaswom properties and the revenue

from Devaswom should be merged with the general revenues of the State. Further

for meeting expenditure of the temples Pathiv (ie scale of expenditure on

Uthsavams, remuneration to temple staff, maintenance charges etc) was instituted.

These recommendations were accepted by the Maharaja. A committee was

constituted to study its implications in 990 KE (1815). After a study of 309

Devaswoms, 179 Devaswoms in Cochin states were classified as Vazhipaat

19%

38%

39%

4%

Figure 4.2Doughnut showingGrade wise temples under Travanccore

DevaswomBoard

Grade I Temples

Grade II Temples

Grade III Temples

P D temples

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Devaswoms. This was a major step by the Government which resulted in the

acquisition of temple lands and interference in temple administration.

All these 179 temples were known as ‘incorporated Devaswoms’ of which

24 were treated as Keezhetams (subordinates to a more important temple).

Subsequently, either due to mismanagement by Ooraalaars or under some other

pretext, some more temples were taken over by the Sarkkar though their funds were

kept separately. Each such Devaswom was called ‘unincorporated Devaswom’. In

1702 ME (1897) a separate Devaswom Department was formed under a

superintendent and all incorporated and unincorporated devaswoms were brought

under it.

Ten years later in1907 these incorporated and unincorporated Dewaswoms

were merged by a later amendment in 1916. A common Trust Fund was constituted

as an endowment. Moreover they were classified into four groups, viz,

Thiruvilwamala, Thrissur, Thirivanchikulam and Trippunithura. In 1909 new

executive staff like Inspectors, Kariakkars, Muthalpitis, Accountants, etc were

appointed.

Under Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1906, the Government

took over the management of Devaswoms which were mismanaged. Such

institutions were called ‘assumed Devaswoms’. The head of the Department

hitherto, known as Superintendent was re-designated as Commissioner on 1st

November 1926.

Consequent to the integration of princely states of Travancore and Cochin,

the administration of Devaswoms in the Cochin state come under the Cochin

Devaswom Board (CDB) constituted on 1ST August 1949 under the Articles of the

Covenant entered in to by the Rulers of Cochin and Travancore on 23 d June 1949.

Both the groups Devaswoms and assumed Devaswoms were brought under the

Board, first by an Ordinance and later by the Travancore- Cochin Hindu Religious

Act of 1950. On 16 th June 1950 the Board was reconstituted again. Apart from those

temples governed by the CDB a large number of private temples (known as

Ooraanma temples) exist in Cochin area. Those private temples which get grant

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from Cochin Dewaswom Board are also known as Vazhipaat Devaswoms. Cochin

Devaswom Board is a socio-religious trust appointed by the Kerala Government to

look after Hindu temples in Central Kerala consisting of Ernakulam District,

Thrissur District and Palakkad District. It is headquartered in Thrissur city.

4.5.2.1. Administrative Structure of Cochin Devaswom Board

Cochin Devaswom Board is ruled by a Managing Committee consisting of

three members. The managing committee or board consists of three Hindu members.

The Kerala Cabinet can nominate two persons and Hindu members in the Cabinet

can nominate one person. According to the Act, any person, including a woman,

who is a Hindu, thirty five years of age and a resident of the Kerala state can become

a member of the board.

Figure 4.3

Administrative Structure of Cochin Devaswom Board

Chief Commissioner- CDB- 1

Special Devaswom Commissioner -1

Secretary -1

Devaswom Asst. Commissioners - 5

Managers &Managing Committees of Temples

Source: (Cochin Devaswom Board, 2012)7

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4.5.2.2 Divisions/ Groups under the Cochin Devaswom Board

The board is divided in to two sections, namely Establishment section and

Temple section. The Establishment section is in charge of the administration

whereas the Temple section handles routine rituals and functions of the temples. The

temple section consists of the priests and other temple functionaries. The

Establishment section is further divided into four sections- Department of

Administration, Department of Finance, Department of maintenance and the stores

Department. There are five divisions namely one Special Devaswom- Chottanikkara

and four Groups namely Thrissur, Thiruvillamamla, Thiruvanchikulam and

Trippunithura. The Thrissur Division is the biggest of Cochin Devsawom Board and

Thrippunithura division is the smallest.

Table 4.3 Division wise temples under Cochin Devaswom Board

Serial Number Name Sub Groups

Number Number

of temples Percentage

1 Special Devaswom-Chottanikkara 1 1 0.2

2 Thrissur group 18 126 31.3

3 Thiruvilwamala 14 114 28.4

4 Thiruvanchikulam 18 98 24.4

5 Trippunithura 12 63 15.7

Total 73 402 100.0 Source: (Cochin Devaswom Board, 2013)8

Thrissur group consists of 31.3% of total temples under the Board and

Trippunithura has only 15.7% of the temples.

4.5.2.3 Category wise Temples under Cochin Devaswom Board

The Cochin Devaswom Board’s classification of temples is not based on any

strict criteria. Income, importance and convenience are taken for classification of

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temples in to groups A, B, etc. However in appointing priests (Santhikkars) different

grouping are adopted as per the directions of Supreme Court. Such a classification

on the basis of Grade of posts is given in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Category wise temples under Cochin Devaswom Board

Sl.No. Grade Number of temples Percentage

1 Temples having Grade A posts 42 10.45

2 Temples having Grade B posts 76 18.91

3 Temples having Grade C posts 255 63.43

4 Temples having Grade D posts 29 7.21

Total 402 100.00 Source: (Cochin Devaswom Board, 2012)9

The table above shows that majority of the temples (63.43%) under Cochin

Devaswom Board belong to Grade C followed by Grade B (18.71%), Grade A

(10.45%) and Grade C (7.21%). This grade wise list was approved in 16-9-2008 by

the CDB. The list and the criteria are not revised till date. The grade-wise temples

are shown in Figure 4.4.

11%

19%

63%

7%

Figure 4.4Doughnut showing Category wise temples under Cochin

Devaswom Board

Temples having Grade A posts

Temples having Grade B posts

Temples having Grade C posts

Temples having Grade D posts

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4.5.2.4 Control Institutions under CDB

In addition to temples under the direct management and control of the CDB,

there are certain institutions as control institutions under the CDB. These are the

institutions in which CDB have only auditing control. Taluk-wise list of these

institutions are given in the Table 4.5.

Table 4.5 Taluk wise Control Institutions under Cochin Devaswom Board

Sl no. Name of Taluk Number of institutions Percentage

1 Chittur 14 4.7

2 Thalappilly 79 26.5

3 Thrissur 76 25.5

4 Kodungallur 8 2.7

5 Mukundapuram 72 24.2

6 Kanayannur 32 10.7

7 Cochin 17 5.7

Total 298 100.0 Source: (Cochin Devaswom Board, 2013)10

The highest percentage of these control institutions are in the Thalappilly

Taluk and the least in Kodungallur Taluk (2.7%). Pie chart showing the Taluk wise

control institutions is given in Figure 4.5.

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4.5.3 Malabar Devaswom Board

The first direction or enactment relation to formation in of MDB came into

force in 1817 (Madras Regulation VII of 1817). According to it the British

Government, by virtue of its sovereign power, continued to enforce their right to

visit and supervise endowments and prevent abuse of power which had hitherto been

enjoyed by local rulers. This regulation laid down machinery for supervision

consisting of

i) The board of revenue

ii) Local agents, ie, District collectors and

iii) Trustees, managers and superintendent etc.

The enactment was operated till 1839 when certain Christian zealots and

religious propagandists in the United Kingdom agitated urging the Government of

Madras to refrain from administering the Hindu temples and Muslim mosques as

their administration would not fall under the function of the Government. As per

decisions of the Court of Directors of the East India Company the control on temples

was not effectively implemented till 1863. The Religious Endowment Act XX 1863

had enabled the Govt. to divest itself of the management of the religious

5%

27%

26%3%

24%

11%6%

Figure 4.5Doughnut showing Taluk-wise control institutions under CDB

ChitturThalappillyThrissurKodungallurMukundapuramKanayannurCochin

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endowments. But this Act was a failure due to the general attitude of the people.

Subsequently many attempts were made to bring out legislations in the Madras

Legislative Council. Some bills were introduced, but none of the bills was placed in

the Statute Book, though they could bring out some concrete and useful ideas on a

comprehensive legislation.

Keeping these ideas, the Madras Government passed an Act I of 1925 which

repealed the Act of 1863. The Act was however short lived as its validity was

questioned in the Madras High Court. The Govt., therefore, introduced a bill in the

Legislative Council in 1926 and placed it in the Statute book as Madras Hindu

Religious and Endowment Act of 1927. This Act also was amended several times.

After attaining independence, the Congress Ministry of Madras State introduced a

detailed Bill and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act of 1951 was

passed which replaced the Act of 1927. Due to litigations, this Act had also to be

amended by Madras Act of XXI of 1954 and IX of 1956 and later replaced by an

Act of 1959. However as the Kerala State was formed on 1st November 1956 the

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Act 1951 as amended by

ACT XXI of 1954 was accepted and made applicable to temple situated in Malabar

District (including KasarkodeTaluk). Though all the temples in the erstwhile

Malabar area are Ooraanma temples they are controlled by HR & CE Department.

Only those temples which are financially sound are administered by the Department.

After the passing of the States Reorganisation Act 1956 (Act No. 37 of 1956),

Malabar district excluding the islands of Lacadives and Minicoy and Kasargod

Taluk of South Kanara district came to be known as Malabar district in the state of

Kerala along with the territories of the existing State of Travancore and Cochin.

Under the legal provision of adaptation Clause in part XI of the Kerala Service Rule

Act, the Madras H.R & C.E Act 1926 came to be under the administrative

supervisory control of the Government of Kerala, and hence under the H.R & C.E

(Admn) Department. The legacies and inroads of the previous temple administration

and traditional aspects materialized the Act No. XIX of 1951in to the molding frame

of the H.R & C.E administration. In addition to the temples to which the H.R & C.E

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Act was made applicable, considerable number of public religious institutions also

came within the purview of the Act due to the exercise of power of the Government

by notification to extend the provisions of the H.R & C.EAct1956.

The Law of Religious and Charitable Endowments has not undergone any

revolutionary change for quite some time, till the promulgation of Ordinance by

which the provision for constitution of the Malabar Devaswom Board was made by

the H.R & C.E (Amendment) Ordinance of 2008(Ordinance No. 2 of 2008). The

same was re-issued and further the Madras H.R & C.E (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act

No. 31 of 2008) was enacted. The first MDB consisting of 9 members assumed

office on 2nd October 2008.

The MDB is exercising supervisory control of the temple administration, to

ensure that the funds are utilized for the beneficial interest of that institution, in a

proper, transparent and lawful manner in the same manner as it was done by the H.R

& C.E (Admn) Department. So the temple funds are not utilized for any other

purpose, alien to each temple. Even the Government or the Board have no authority

to take away or transfer the temple money or channelise the fund for Government

functions.

4.5.3.1 Division-wise Temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

Temples under the management of MDB is classified under five divisions

namely Kasarakode, Thalassery, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkadu for easily

supervising the temple affairs and the details are given in Table 4.6.

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Table 4.6

Division wise temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

Serial Number Name Number of

Taluks Number of

temples Percentage

1 Kasarakod 2 209 15.88

2 Thalassery 4 206 15.65

3 Kozhikode 5 214 16.26

4 Malappuram 8 347 26.37

5 Palakkadu 5 340 25.84

Total 24 1316 100.00 Source: Compiled from (List of Temples , 2014)11

Fifteen to twenty seven percent of temples belong to each division.

Malappuram division (26.37%) has the highest percentage of the temples and

Thalassery the least. The fact is represented in the Figure 4. 6.

16%

16%

16%26%

26%

Figure 4.6Doughnut showing Divisionwise temples under the MDB

Kasarakod

Thalassery

Kozhikode

Malappuram

Palakkadu

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4.5.3.2 Categorisation of Temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

The temples under the MDB are categorized according to annual earnings of

the temples. ‘Special Grade’ Temples are those whose annual earnings is 75 lakhs or

more. Those whose earnings range between 25 lakhs to 75 lakhs come under ‘Grade

A’ Temples, those with 10 lakhs to 25 lakhs earning under ‘Grade B’ Temples, those

with 3 lakhs to 10 lakhs under ‘C Grade’ and those up to 3 lakhs earnings under

‘Grade D’. The categories are shown in Table 4.7 and in Figure 4.8.

Table 4.7 Grade wise temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

Serial Number Grade Name Number of temples Percentage

1 Special Grade 21 1.59

2 A Grade 34 2.58

3 B Grade 129 9.79

4 C Grade 116 8.81

5 D Grade 1017 77.22

Total 1317 100.00 Source: Compiled from (List of Temples , 2014)12

Most of the temples under MDB are ‘Grade D’ temple (77.22%) whose

annual income is up to Rs 3 lakhs. About 10% ‘B grade’ temples and about 9% ‘C

grade’ temples, about 3 percent ‘A Grade’ temples and only 1.59 percentage special

grade temples are there under the MDB. On the basis of Grade, the temples are

directed to remit annuities to the MDB. The grade wise temples under the

supervisory control of MDB are given in the Figure 4.7.

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4.5.3.3 Grade- wise and Division wise temples under the Malabar Devaswom

Board

The temples under MDB spread over five divisions and five grades over 7

Districts in Kerala. The table 4.8 gives a picture of the grade and division wise

temples under the MDB.

The Table 4.8 and the Figure 4.8 show that Malappuram division under the

MDB has more temples, especially D grade temples and Kasarakode division has

few D grade temples. Special grade temples are very less in Kozhikode division as

compared to others.B grade temples are less in Malappuram division and the

division does not include any A Grade temples. C grade temples are more in

Kasarakode division and less in Malappuram Division. The number of temples in all

divisions other than D grade is below fifty.

2%2%10%

9%

77%

Figure 4.7Doughnut showingGrade-wise temples under Malabar

Devaswom Board

Special GradeA Grade

B Grade

C Grade

D Grade

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Table 4.8 Grade and division-wise temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

Sl. No.

Grade Name

Divisions Total Kasara-

gode Thala-ssery

Kozhi-kode

Mala- ppuram

Pala-kkadu

1 Special Grade 6 5 1 6 3 21

2 A Grade 5 4 8 0 17 34

3 B Grade 32 22 26 16 33 129

4 C Grade 35 21 28 7 25 116

5 D Grade 131 154 152 318 262 1017

Total 209 206 215 347 340 1317 Source: Compiled from (List of Temples , 2014)13

Figure 4. 8

Multiple bar diagram showing Grade- wise and Division wise temples under Malabar Devaswom Board

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Kasaragode Thalassery Kozhikode Malappuram Palakkadu

Special Grade

A Grade

B Grade

C Grade

D Grade

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4.5.4 Guruvayur Devaswom Board

It is pertinent to point out here that under the scheme framed by the High

Court of Madras in appeal 211 and 212 of 1930 (as modified by District Court,

South Malabar in OS No. 1 of 1938), the administration, control and management of

the temple and its properties and endowments had been vested in the hereditary

trustees, namely the Zamorian Raja of Calicut and the Karanavan, for the time

being, of the Mallissery Illam of Guruvayur.

This position was changed in 1971 by the enactment of Guruvayur

Dewaswom Act of 1971 which was later amended in 1978, replacing the Trusteeship

by a managing committee, nominated by the Hindu Ministers in the State Cabinet.

The day-to-day administration is supervised by an Administrator appointed

by the Government. The Managing Committee include, the Zamorin Raja, the

MallisseriNamboodiri and the Tantri of the temple among others. According to 1978

Act , the Managing Committee consists of 9 members- The Zamorin Raja,

MallisseriNamboodiri, the Tantri, a representative of the employees of the

Dewaswom and five more persons of whom one shall be a scheduled caste member.

The six non- traditional members are appointed by the Hindu Ministers of Kerala

Government of Kerala of which one will be the Chairman of the Managing

Committee. The Committee selects an Administrator from the panel of names given

by the Government.

The Administrative office is functioning in the ‘Sreepadmam’ building at

South Nada. There is a public relations office which functions at ‘SreePadmam’

complex to guide the pilgrims if and when necessary, and to furnish them with every

information pertaining to the temple and the Dewaswom.

4.5.4.1 Subsidiary Temples/ DewaswomKezhedams

There are ten temples that are treated as kezhedams of the Guruvayur

Temple. (Guruvayur Devaswom Board)14

1. Narayanamkulangara Devi Temple, Mammiyur, Thrissur

187

2. Thamarayur Vishnu Temple and Ayyappa temple, Thrissur

3. AnjoorAyyappa Temple, Mundoor, Thrissur

4. Vermannur Siva Temple , Kunissery, Palakkadu (Dist)

5. Manganchira Sree Krishna Temple, Annakkara, Thrissur

6. KunnamkulamThalakkottukara Siva Temple, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur (Dist)

7. Punnathur Siva- Vishnu temple and Bhagavathy temple, Thrissur

8. Kaveed Karthyayani Temple, Thrissur

9. Poonthanam Sri Maha Vishnu Temple, Malappuram

10. Nenmini Balarama and Ayyapa Temple, Thrissur

4.6 Comparison of DBs in Kerala

DBs in Kerala have different nature of working. Even nature of functioning

of the Boards differ and methods and supervisory power and control also differ. DBs

have only supervisory power in certain cases while in others there is full control.

Guruvayur Temple and its kezhedams are managed by GDB while the other three

Boards manage south, central and north area temples under them. The basic points

of differences in the DBs are represented in Table 4.9

188

Table 4.9 Differences in the aspects related to Devaswom Boards

Sl. no

Point of Difference Devaswom Boards TDB CDB MDB GDB

1 Year of Formation 1950 1949 2008 1978 2 Strength of managing

committee President and two members

President and two members The Managing Committee consists of 9 members

The Managing Committee consists of 10 members

3 Offices under the board Thirteen Seventeen Eight one 4 Districts covered 5 (TM, KTM, KLM, PT,

ALZ)* 3 (EKM, TR, PK)** 7 (KOZ, KN,KK,

WN, MPM, PK, EKM)***

3 (TR, MPM, PK)****

5 Preparation of Administration report

As budget Not now Administration report itself

Administration report itself

6

Number of temples under board

1249 402 1317 10 kezhadams and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple

7 Categorisation of temples under board

4 categories namely Grade I, II, III and Personal Deposit Temples

4 categories for appointment of staff – Grade A post temples, Grade B post temples, grade C post temples and Grade D post temples or others

5 categories namely Special Grade, Grade A, Grade B, Grade C and Grade D.

All are kezhedams

8 Fund pooling Fund pooling- that is directly remitting earnings of temples to the Board fund.

Here also fund pooling exists.

No such pooling. But certain amount is paid like tax to the DB on the earnings annually.

Here also fund pooling exists.

9 Divisions under the DBs 7 4 Main Groups and one special devaswom

5 No such divisions

10 Colleges under the DBs 4 aided and one self- financing

2 aided Nothing Nothing

11 Higher Secondary schools under the DBs

4 Nothing Nothing Nothing

189

Table 4.9 Continued

Differences in the aspects related to Devaswom Boards

12 High Schools 8 1 Nothing Nothing

13 UP 5 Nothing Nothing Nothing

14 LP 5 Nothing Nothing Nothing

15 Central School 4 Nothing Nothing Nothing

16 Other Institutions under the Board

4( kshetra kalapeedam academy -attingal and vaikom, Institute of Art and Architecture at Thrissur, Heritage Museum at Kottarakkara)

Nothing Nothing 2 ( Vadya Vidyalayam, Mural Institute at Guruvayur itself)

(Source: Compiled by the researcher) *(TM- Thiruvananthapuram, KTM- Kottayam, KLM -Kollam, PT- Pathanamthitta, ALZ-Alappuzha) **(EKM-Ernakulam, TR-Thrissur, PK-Palakhadu) ***(KOZ-Kozhikode, KN-Kannur, KK- Kasarkode, WN- Wayanadu, MPM- Malappuram, PK=-Palakhadu, EKM- Ernakulam) ****(TR-Thrissur,MPM-Malappuram,PK-Palakhadu)

190

4.7 Devaswom Board Staff – an Analysis

The efficient functioning of Devaswom Boards are ensured through a team

of staff members. There is no uniformity in the pattern of staff among Devaswom

Boards. Hence it is desirable to examine the staff pattern among Devaswom

Boards.Data regarding nature of staff are collected by administering pre-tested

interview schedule.

DB staffs of the four basic Devaswom Boards, varies from Special

Devaswom Commissioner to Mahouts in certain cases and to Daffedar in other

cases. For the study, the staff of Devaswom Board is classified under four heads

namely Top Officials, Middle Officers, Lower officials and Supporting staff. Special

Devswom Commissioner, Devaswom Commissioner, Commissioner, Assistant

Commissioner, Secretary and Administrator are included under Top Officials.

Middle level Officers consists of Cost and Finance Accounts Officer, Finance and

Accounts Officer, Public Relations Officer, Land Special Officer, Accounts Officer,

Assistant Commissioner Finance (AC-F), Assistant Commisssioner- Bhandharam,

Senior superintendent, Superintendent, Junior superintendent, fair copy

superintendent, Head Accountant, Head Clerk, Executive engineer, Assistant

executive engineer, Assistant Manager, Assistant engineer, Deputy AO, System

Manager and Security Officer . Lower level staff consists of Confidential Assistant,

Selection grade typist, UDC, LDC and Clerks. Gold smith, Peon, security guard and

Defedhar form part of supporting staff. Fifteen staff from each Devaswom Board has

been selected by non probability sampling.

4.7.1 Levels –wise Devaswom Board staff

Level wise classification of staff of Devaswom Board is given in table 4.10.

191

Table 4.10 Level- wise Devaswom Board staff

Board Top

Officials Middle Officers

Lower Officers

Supporting staff Total

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

MDB 2 13.33 4 26.67 7 46.67 2 13.33 15 100.00

GDB 1 6.67 8 53.33 6 40.00 0 0.00 15 100.00

CDB 1 6.67 10 66.67 3 20.00 1 6.67 15 100.00

TDB 2 13.33 8 53.34 3 20.00 2 13.33 15 100.00

Total 6 10.00 30 50.00 19 31.67 5 8.33 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

Out of the sixty staff of the four Devaswom Boards, the highest percentage

are (50%) middle level Officers and the least are supporting level. Lower level

Officers constitute 31.67% of total Board staff. Only 10 % are top level officials and

8.33 % are supporting staff.

Out of middle level officers, the highest percentage (66.67%) belongs to

CDB and lowest to MDB. Top officials are equitably distributed among TDB and

MDB with 13.33%. Likewise top officials percentages are same among GDB and

CDB. Lower levels officials are same in both CDB and TDB. Lower levels officers

are more in MDB.

4.7.2 Age

Age is an important determinant of the efficiency and expertise of staff. The

staff are categorized under five groups on the basis of age, that is, 20-30, 31-40, 41-

50, 51-60 and above 60.

192

Table 4.11

Classification of Devaswom Board staff on the basis of age

Board 20-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 Above 60 Age Totals

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

MDB 2 13.33 1 6.67 7 46.67 5 33.33 0 0.00 15 100.00

GDB 1 6.67 1 6.67 8 53.33 5 33.33 0 0.00 15 100.00

CDB 2 13.33 4 26.67 4 26.67 4 26.67 1 6.67 15 100.00

TDB 1 6.67 1 6.67 7 46.67 3 20.00 3 20.00 15 100.00

Total 6 10.00 7 11.67 26 43.33 17 28.33 4 6.67 60 100.00

Source: Primary data

Majority of the Devaswom Board (43.33%) staff belongs to the age group of

41-50. Only 6.67% belong to the age group of above 60 years. They are retired staff

of various categories on deputation or as temporary staff. 28.33% belong to age

group of 51-60. Only 10% are under the age group of 20-30. This data reveals the

fact that there is no new posting in Devaswom Boards.

53.33% of staff of GDB belongs to age group of 41-50. No staff are there in

the age group of above 60 in GDB and MDB.

4.7.3 Gender

Devaswom Boards employ both male and female staff. The gender wise

classification of employees of Devsawom Board are given in table 4.12

193

Table 4.12 Classification of employees of Devaswom Boards on the basis of gender

Board Male Female Total

No. % No. % No. %

MDB 10 66.67 5 33.33 15 100.00

GDB 13 86.67 2 13.33 15 100.00

CDB 8 53.33 7 46.67 15 100.00

TDB 11 73.33 4 26.67 15 100.00

Total 42 70.00 18 30.00 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

Gender wise analysis reveals that 70% of the respondents are males. The

ratio of female staff is less in GDB. The highest percentage of female staff (46.67%)

can be found in Cochin Devaswom Board. Traditionally, most of the temple related

activities are performed by males. As Devaswom Boards are related with temples

and are supposed to supervise and administer the temple affairs, most of the

Devaswom Board staff are males.

4.7.4 Educational Qualification.

Educational qualification affects the quality and potential of staff members.

Hence an attempt has been made to analyse the educational qualification of staff of

Devaswom Board and the result is shown in Table 4.13.

194

Table 4.13 Classification of respondents on the basis of Educational Qualification

Board staff PG Graduate Diploma ITI PLUS II Attend school Total

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

MDB 5 33.33 5 33.33 0 0.00 1 6.67 0 0.00 4 26.67 15 100.00

GDB 4 26.67 2 13.33 2 13.33 0 0.00 3 20.00 4 26.67 15 100.00

CDB 2 13.33 7 46.67 0 0.00 0 0.00 4 26.67 2 13.33 15 100.00

TDB 5 33.33 8 53.33 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 13.33 15 100.00

Total 16 26.67 22 36.67 2 3.33 1 1.67 7 11.67 12 20.00 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

195

The Table 4.13 indicates that the highest percentages of respondents (36.67%)

are graduates and the least are ITI holders. Among the staff of Devaswom Board,

except the GDB, the highest percentage is graduates. In GDB 26.67% staff are with

PG and attend school category.

4.7.5 Experience

Experienced staff are considered as valuable assets of an organization.

Devaswom Boards are no exception to this. In order to analyse the experience of the

staff of Devaswom Boards, employees are divided in to four categories, namely, less

than one year experience, 1-5 years , 5-10 years and above 10 year and the result is

given in Table 4.14.

Table 4.14 Classification of Devaswom Board Staff on the basis of Experience

Board staff

Years of experience in the DBs Less than 1 1-5 6-10 Above 10 Total

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % MDB 1 6.67 7 46.67 3 20.00 4 26.67 15 100.00

GDB 4 26.67 4 26.67 4 26.67 3 20.00 15 100.00

CDB 3 20.00 7 46.67 5 33.33 0 0.00 15 100.00

TDB 0 0.00 9 60.00 6 40.00 0 0.00 15 100.00

Total 8 13.33 27 45.00 18 30.00 7 11.67 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

The highest percentage of employees have (45%) an experience of 1-5 years

and 11.67 % have more than 10 years’ of experience. None of the employees in

TDB are below one year and more than 10 years’ experience.

4.7.6 Previous Experience

Since most of the employees have experience outside the Devaswom Boards,

they are divided in to five categories on the basis of previous experience which are

given in Table 4.15.

196

Table 4.15 Classification of respondents on the basis of previous experience

Board staff

Years of Experience

Nil Up to 10 years 10-20 years 20-30 years Above 30 years Total

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

MDB 6 40.00 4 26.67 3 20.00 2 13.33 0 0.00 15 100.00

GDB 1 6.67 2 13.33 3 20.00 6 40.00 3 20.00 15 100.00

CDB 1 6.67 4 26.67 5 33.33 3 20.00 2 13.33 15 100.00

TDB 2 13.33 1 6.67 3 20.00 6 40.00 3 20.00 15 100.00

Total 10 16.67 11 18.33 14 23.33 17 28.33 8 13.33 60 100.00

Source: Primary data

Analysis reveals that the highest percentage of employees has 20-30 years of

experience in other offices. 16.67% have no previous experience. Among the five

Devaswom Boards, MDB has the highest percentage (40%) of employees who have

no previous experience. In GDB and TDB the highest percentage of employees has

20-30 years of experience.

4.7.7 Selection of Devaswom Board Staff

Selection and appointment of staff in DBs are generally by Kerala Public

Service Commission or by deputation basis or by Devaswom Boards itself. Some

are employed on temporary basis by employment exchange. Result of analysis on

mode of selection and appointment of staff are given in Table 4.16.

197

Table 4.16 Classification of respondents on the basis of Selection of Devaswom Board staff

Board staff

KPSC directly Deputation from other

offices

Employment Exchanges

Devaswom Boards

Dying in Harness Others Total

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

MDB 11 73.33 2 13.33 2 13.33 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 15 100.00 GDB 0 0.00 2 13.33 0 0.00 11 73.33 2 13.33 0 0.00 15 100.00 CDB 0 0.00 1 6.67 0 0.00 9 60.00 4 26.67 1 6.67 15 100.00

TDB 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 11 73.33 3 20.00 1 6.67 15 100.00 Total 11 18.33 5 8.33 2 3.33 31 51.67 9 15.00 2 3.33 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

198

Table above reveals that the highest percentage, ie, 51.67% is selected by the

Board itself. KPSC is involved only in the selection of employees of MDB. In MDB

73.33% are selected by KPSC. Only 8.33% are appointed on deputation basis. 15%

got employment under Dying in harness ground. Other category includes those who

are appointed under special government order. In all Devaswom Boards, except

MDB, the highest percentage is selected by Devaswom Boards itself. In MDB,

KPSC directly recruited about 73 Percent of the staff.

4.7.8 Pre- service training

Training is essential for effective and efficient working of the staff in any

office. Devaswom Boards are no exception to this. Here an attempt has been made

to analyse the employees of DBs on the basis of their participation in pre-service

training.

Table 4.17 Classification of respondents on the basis of pre-service training

Training before the Appointment of the DB Staff

Board Staff attended pre-

service training Staff not attended pre-

service training Total

No. % No. % No. % MDB 6 40.00 9 60.00 15 100.00

GDB 6 40.00 9 60.00 15 100.00

CDB 6 40.00 9 60.00 15 100.00

TDB 3 20.00 12 80.00 15 100.00


Analysis reveals that only 35% of employees attended training prior to

joining Devaswom Board (Table 4.18). 40% of employees each in MDB, GDB and

CDB attended pre-service training programme.

199

4.7.9 In-service training

Not only pre-service training, but the in-service training of employees is also

significant. Recognising this, an effort has been made to categorise the employees

on the basis of in-service training programmes attended by them.

Table 4.18 Classification of respondents on the basis of in service training

Board staff

Staff attended in-service training

Staff not attended in-service training

Total

No. % No. % No. %

MDB 6 40.00 9 60.00 15 100.00

GDB 9 60.00 6 40.00 15 100.00

CDB 4 26.67 11 73.33 15 100.00

TDB 6 40.00 9 60.00 15 100.00


Result of analysis shows that 41.67% of staff under DBs attended in-service

training progamme. The highest percentage of employees attended in service

training belongs to GDB followed by MDB and TDB. CDB provided in-service

training only to 26.67% of employees.

4.7.10 Level of job satisfaction

Productivity of employees, to a greater extent depends on job satisfaction.

Job satisfaction depends upon various factors affecting jobs. Job satisfaction is

affected by a number of factors in the organization. Here job satisfaction is

measured in 3 point Likert scale.

200

Table 4.19 Classification of respondents on the basis of Job satisfaction

Board Highly

satisfied Medium

satisfaction Low level

satisfaction Total

No. % No. % No. % No %

MDB 7 46.67 8 53.33 0 0 15 100.00

GDB 11 73.33 4 26.67 0 0 15 100.00

CDB 13 86.67 2 13.33 0 0 15 100.00

TDB 13 86.67 2 13.33 0 0 15 100.00

Total 44 73.33 16 26.67 0 0 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

Analysis shows that nobody has low level of satisfaction. 73.33% indicates

high level of satisfaction (Table 4.20). Highest percentage of respondents who

indicates high level of satisfaction belong to CDB and TDB and lowest to MDB.

Discussions with respondents reveal that majority of staff are staff of earst while HR

& CE and the Board is functioning from the budget allocation of Kerala Government

basically. They think that they have no consistency in DBs.

4.7.11 Pay

The staff of DBs earns return as scale, consolidated pay, daily wages, etc. An

analysis of the primary data reveals that 93.33 percentages of the respondents get

payment on the basis of scale.

201

Table 4.20 Classification of respondents on the basis of nature of pay of the

Devaswom Board staff

Board staff Scale Others Total

No. % No. % No. %

MDB 15 100.00 0 0.00 15 100.00

GDB 14 93.33 1 6.67 15 100.00

CDB 13 86.67 2 13.33 15 100.00

TDB 14 93.33 1 6.67 15 100.00


Analysis reveals that remuneration of all the employees of Malabar

Devaswom Board and 93.33% of employees of GDB and TDB receive their monthly

payment on the basis of scale. It indicates that most of the DB staff are permanent.

4.7.12 Role of DB Staff in Decision making

Decision making is normally the task of top level management. Devaswom

Boards are no exception to this. Only one tenth of the sample respondents belong to

this category. The analysis on their role in decision making is given in the table 4.21.

202

Table 4.21 Classification of respondents on the basis of decision making role

Board staff

Role in formulation of plan

No role in formulation of plan Total

No. % No. % No. %

MDB 2 13.33 13 86.67 15 100.00

GDB 1 6.67 14 93.33 15 100.00

CDB 1 6.67 14 93.33 15 100.00

TDB 3 20.00 12 80.00 15 100.00


The result of analysis shows that 11.67% of respondents have a role in

decision making in DBs. This is mainly because only 10% of sample respondents

are from top level. Majority of the staff, ie., 88.33% do not have any role in the

decision making of the DBs.

4.7.13 Opinion of Devaswom Board Staff regarding Proper Accounting

Temples under the DB are many. This variable is included purposefully to

find the accounting inefficiencies of temples under the DBs. Accounting of

transactions of temples is a big matter to be considered urgently. Even income and

expenditure statement are not prepared separately for temples under CDB. Focus

group discussion, with the officials reveals that in future, accounts in detail will be

available by installing software. The old method of recording and maintaining

transactions is still in existence. The table 4.22 reveals the opinion of DB staff

regarding proper accounting in temples under DBs.

203

Table 4.22 Classification of respondents on the basis of opinion

regarding proper accounting

Board staff

Proper accounting of revenues of

temples under DBs

No proper accounting of revenues of

temples under DBs

No Opinion Totals

No % No % No % No %

MDB 6 40.00 2 13.33 7 46.67 15 100.00 GDB 4 26.67 1 6.67 10 66.67 15 100.00 CDB 6 40.00 0 0.00 9 60.00 15 100.00 TDB 7 46.67 2 13.33 6 40.00 15 100.00 Total 23 38.33 5 8.33 32 53.33 60 100.00 Source: Primary data

Majority of the staff (53.33%) agreed that they have no opinion about the

proper accounting in the temples under the DBs. 38.33% opines that there is proper

accounting. Only 8.33% staff agreed that there is no proper accounting in the

temples under the DBs. This reveals the fact that there are many temples under the

Devaswom Boards especially TDB, GDB and MDB which do not maintain account

properly.

4.8 Income and expenditure of Devaswom Boards

Annual financial statements of DBs consist of receipts and payments. There

is no uniformity in the statements of receipts and payments among DBs. DB’s works

extend from temples to schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, etc except

MDB. As such component wise analysis is not at all meaningful, an attempt has

been made to analyse the total income and expenditure of Devaswom Boards in

Kerala.

204

4.8.1 Income of Devaswom Boards

Income of DBs consists of vazhipadu, investment income, receipts from

land, hotels and restaurants, schools, colleges, receipts from other institutions,

anakotta, gogulam, publication, etc except MDB. MDB depends on the Budgeted

income / fund from the Government and division wise earnings from temples that is

annuities received.

ANOVA has been used to test whether there is any significant difference in

the income earned by DBs. Average income of DBs and their SDs are calculated by

using Statistical Software for comparing the incomes of four basic DBs in Kerala.

The averages and SDs are shown in Table 4.23.

Table 4.23 ANOVA Table showing the variation of Incomes (in crores) of Devaswom

Boards

Name of N Average SD F p-value

TDB 4 386.07 78.62

51.1882** < 0.001 CDB 4 82.51 96.18

MDB 4 31.43 11.26

GDB 4 166.44 35.48

Total 16 166.62 145.37 (Source: Annual accounts and Budgets of Devaswom Board); ** significant at 0.01 level

Average income of all DBs is 166.62 crores. Highest average income is to

the TDB 386.07 crores and the lowest is to MDB Rs 31.43 crores. Analysis of

variance shows the F value 51.1882 which is greater than the table value of “F” at

0.01 level of significance. So there exists significant difference in the average

earnings of DBs in Kerala.

The ANOVA result shows that there is considerable difference in the DBs

earnings. Therefore, the Research has to be accepted. There exists considerable

difference in the earnings of DBs under study.

205

4.8.2 Expenditure of Devaswom Boards

Expenditure of DBs consists of revenue expenditure, temple expenditure,

expenditure of schools, colleges, other institutions, etc except MDB.

ANOVA is used to analyse whether there is significant difference in

expenditure of DBs. Average expenditure of DBs and their SDs are calculated by

using Statistical Software for comparing the expenditure DBs in Kerala and are

shown in Table 4.24.

(Source: Annual accounts and Budgets of Devaswom Board); ** significant at 0.01 level

Average expenditure of all DBs is Rs154.94 crores. Highest average income

is to the TDB Rs 377.89 crores and the lowest is to MDB Rs 14.51 crores. Analysis

of variance shows the F value 53.0697 which is greater than the table value of “F” at

1 percent level of significance. So there exists significant difference in the average

expenditures of DBs in Kerala.


expenditures. Therefore, the research has to be accepted. There exists considerable

difference in the expenditure of DBs under study.

Table 4.24 ANOVA Table showing the variation of Expenditures (in crores) of

Devaswom Boards

Name of DB Valid N Average SD F p-level

TDB 4 377.89 78.59

53.0697** < 0.001 CDB 4 81.17 10.51

MDB 4 14.51 9.45

GDB 4 146.17 34.00

Total 16 154.94 146.60

206

4.8.3 Surplus/Deficiency of DB

The difference between income and expenditure is analysed as surplus or

deficiency and its average is taken for applying the ANOVA test. Test results are

shown in the table below.

Table 4.25 ANOVA Table showing the variation of Surplus/Deficiency (in crores) of

Devaswom Boards

Name of DB Valid N Average Income SD F p-value

TDB 4 8.18 0.19

9.610** 0.002 CDB 4 1.34 3.46

MDB 4 16.93 10.28

GDB 4 20.27 2.16

Total 16 11.68 9.13 (Source: Annual accounts and Budgets of Devaswom Board); ** significant at 0.01 level

Average surplus is Rs 11.68 crores. Surplus is more for GDB and less to

CDB. Analysis of variance shows the F value 9.610 which is greater than the table

value of “F” at 1 percent level of significance. So there exists significant difference

in the average surplus of DBs in Kerala.


surplus/deficiency. Therefore, the research has to be accepted. There exists

considerable difference in the surplus/ deficiency of DBs under study.

4.9 Consummation

The temples in Kerala are managed by DBs. Four DBs manage 3000 temples

in Kerala. Even though there is less similarity in the functioning of DBs in Kerala,

there exists huge disparity in the DB s functioning in Kerala as apex authority of

administering temples in Kerala. Majority of DB staff are males and have 1-5 years

experience. Income and expenditure account are not prepared separately for temples

under DBs. Significant difference is found in the income and expenditure of DBs in

Kerala.

207

References

1) Jayashanker, S. (1997). Temples of Kerala. NewDelhi: Controller of

Publications, Civil Lines.

2) Top 30 famous temples in India. (2015). Retrieved from

http://www.tourmyindia.com

3) Op cit., 1

4) Govt. of Kerala. (2012). Devaswom Boards in Kerala. Retrieved from The

official web portal, Govt.of Kerala: http://kerala.gov.in

5) Travancore Devaswom Board. (2015). Administration. Retrieved from

http://travancoredevaswomboard.org

6) Travancore Devaswom Board. (2013). Travancore Devaswom Board.

Travancore Devaswom Board Thiruvananthapuram AD2013 ME 1188-89,

Office Diary . Thirivananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board.

7) Cochin Devaswom Board. (2012). Cochin Devaswom Board Diary.

8) Cochin Devaswom Board. (2013). Cochin Devaswom Board Diary2013.

Thrissur.

9) Cochin Devaswom Board. (2012). List of Temples. Thrissur.

10) Op cit., 8.

11) List of Temples . (2014). Retrieved April 20, 2014, from Malabar Devaswom

Board.

12) Ibid.

13) Op cit., 11

14) Guruvayur Devaswom Board. (2013). Guruvayur Devaswom Board

Diary2013. Guruvayur.

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