Medical Emergency for Senior Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru

New Delhi, january 10, 2026: In a significant turn of events at the heart of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, senior Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after experiencing sudden physical distress while in judicial custody.

The senior priest, a prominent figure of the Thazhamon Madom family, was being held at the Special District Sub Jail in Thiruvananthapuram following his arrest on Friday in connection with a high-profile gold theft investigation.

Details of the Medical Emergency

According to jail authorities, the senior Tantri began showing signs of severe physical fatigue and sleeplessness early Saturday morning. Officials reported that Rajeevaru expressed a complete lack of appetite and complained of feeling faint and dizzy to the prison warden.

Given the high-profile nature of his custody and his age, the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Department acted swiftly:

• Initial Checkup: The jail’s medical officer conducted a preliminary examination.
• Transfer to General Hospital: He was first moved to the General Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, for stabilization.
• Specialized Care: Following a more detailed clinical evaluation, doctors recommended he be shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital for comprehensive treatment and observation.

Context of the Arrest

The hospitalization comes less than 24 hours after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) recorded Rajeevaru’s formal arrest. The case pertains to the alleged theft of gold from the Lord Ayyappa Temple, specifically involving the gold-plated panels of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).

The SIT has alleged “criminal complicity and conspiracy,” suggesting that the senior Tantri may have authorized the removal of sacred gold-plated ornaments in violation of established temple norms. Rajeevaru has maintained that while he gave ritualistic permission for repairs, he had no knowledge of any misappropriation or the removal of the gold from temple premises.

Current Situation at Sabarimala

Despite the legal turmoil surrounding the senior Tantri, the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage remains unaffected. Officials have clarified the following:

• Leadership: The current ritualistic duties at the shrine are being led by Kandaru Mahesh Mohanararu, who is the Tantri in charge for this season.
• Melshanthi: The daily poojas are being performed by the newly appointed Melshanthi, E.D. Prasad.
• Devotee Safety: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has reassured pilgrims that all spiritual ceremonies and security measures are proceeding as scheduled ahead of the Makaravilakku festival on January 14.

The health of the senior priest is being closely monitored, and hospital authorities are expected to release a formal medical bulletin later today.