Thrissur: Former MP and actor Suresh Gopi has said that it is unfair to collect ground fee for the Pooram Exhibition organized by the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms. He is of the opinion that ground fee should not be charged from the devotees. He also said that the Devaswom Board has no authority to collect rent from the devotees for anything related to Vadakkumnathan temple. The Cochin Devaswom Board which owns the Vadakkumnathan temple ground, has decided to charge Rs 2.20 crore as ground fee to conduct the Pooram Exhibition. The fee has been increased from Rs 39 lakh last year to this exorbitant amount this year.
Thrissur Pooram Exhibition held at the Vadakkumnathan temple ground (Thekkinkad Maidanam) is an integral source of income for the smooth funtioning of the Thrissur Pooram. The representatives of the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms pointed out that if the ground fee itself is too high, then the funds would not be sufficient to conduct the Pooram in its tradition, glory and splendor as in the past years.
The stand of Cochin Devaswom Board towards Paramekkavu-Thiruvambadi Devaswoms cannot be accepted, said Suresh Gopi. Devaswom Board should focus on protecting temple properties. He stated that any move to destroy the Thrissur Pooram will be countered by Paramekkavu-Thiruvambadi Devaswoms and Pooram lovers.
Instead of appreciating and supporting the Paramekkavu-Thiruvambadi Devaswoms, which have played a major role in maintaining and enhancing the pride of Thrissur Pooram, the Devaswom Board is harming them. Suresh Gopi said that it should be suspected that the Cochin Devaswom Board is creating an opportunity for some in the ruling party to take political advantage by putting Pooram in crisis.
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