The Kerala High Court on Monday (June 1) issued directions to the Cochin Devaswom Board and other stakeholders to ensure that the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple was kept pristine and to improve pilgrim services.
This was after the court examined submissions made by the Board and other officials concerned regarding maintenance and hygiene issues on the temple premises.
The Board informed the court on Monday that specific directions were issued to all officers for implementing the court’s orders. It said that one of the issues was the manner in which devotees left their footwear on the premises. A police aid post that was set up when Chottanikkara did not have a police station can now be used as a footwear counter.
The Board also decided to prepare a comprehensive architectural infrastructure master plan for the temple to improve the spiritual experience of devotees. It said it was availing the services of a structural consultant for carrying out construction work at the temple.
The complainant submitted that there was also an ATM counter that was not functional, next to the police aid post, and that the two spaces could be used for improving pilgrim services.
Published – June 02, 2026 01:02 am IST
