
Thanthri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru performs padipuja at Sabarimala temple. File | Photo credit: Leju Kamal
A senior representative of the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, traditionally and according to legend the foster family of Lord Ayyappa, the Sabarimala deity, on Thursday (April 23, 2026) criticized the state of Kerala in the Supreme Court for not taking a firm stand against petitions filed by non-believers challenging the ancient belief in temples and ancient rituals.
Senior advocate K. Radhakrishnan, appearing before a nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, appearing for the royal family, recalled that the state did not back down years ago in the face of a demand to open an inquiry into Makaravilakku.
Published – 23 Apr 2026 23:14 IST





