On Thursday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar made allegations that black magic rituals, including animal sacrifices, were being conducted in the vicinity of the Raja Rajeshwari Temple in Kerala to harm him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar claimed that individuals from Karnataka were involved in these rituals, specifying that a 'Shatru Bhairavi Yagya' (fire sacrifice) was being performed, involving the sacrifice of various animals, including goats, buffaloes, sheep, and pigs.
In response, the Raja Rajeshwari Temple in Kerala refuted these allegations. Madhavan, a trustee of the temple board, strongly denied the claims, stating that no such rituals take place in the temple or its vicinity. He emphasized that the temple conducts only traditional Brahmin pujas and expressed disappointment over the temple being dragged into political issues. Madhavan assured that no animal sacrifices or black magic rituals have been or are being performed near the temple.
Supporting Madhavan’s stance, MV Govindan, CPI-M State Secretary and MLA of the Taliparamba assembly constituency where the temple is located, dismissed Shivakumar's allegations as "madness." Govindan highlighted the significance of the Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara Temple and reiterated that no such sacrificial rituals are part of the temple's practices. He suggested that Shivakumar’s comments might be aimed at creating a communal divide.
Both Madhavan and Govindan emphasized the importance of not involving the temple in political controversies and assured that the temple's activities are transparent and traditional.
