Guruvayur Devaswom Board
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| Formation | 1956 |
|---|---|
| Type | Trust |
| Purpose | Management of 12 temples |
| Headquarters | Guruvayur, Thrissur district |
| Location |
|
Region served | Kerala |
Commissioner | Sri M.G. Rajamanickam IAS |
Chairman | Sri A V Gopinath |
Administrator | Sri O B Arun kumar |
CF&AO | Sri Sajith K P |
| Website | guruvayurdevaswom |
Guruvayur Devaswom is a Statutory and Independent body created for the governing and management of 12 temples in Kerala assigned to it. With the passing of Madras Regulation Act in the year 1817, temples were brought under the control of East India Company, a corporate organisation. The concept of temple included its premises and wealth. However, from 1925, temples were brought under government control with the passing of State Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. Under this Act, the state governments exercised power for the formation of Temple Development Boards for major temples with the members from local city.
Guruvayur Devaswom manages around 12 temples including Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur, in Kerala.[1] Till Pre-British era temple management was with local members of town. Temple was a place of many cultural activities and social development place wish rest houses, cow dwelling places, and community halls.[2] Temple Development Boards for many temples in India are created for the maintenance and governing of the affairs of temple.[3] Post Independence, temples were brought under the administration of State Governments with the Guruvayoor Devasom Act, 1978.[4]