Kerala govt to probe alleged caste bias in temple

Thiruvananthapuram

The Kerala government has announced an inquiry into the alleged caste discrimination at Koodalmanikyam Temple in Thrissur, reaffirming its stance against such practices.

The controversy arose when an employee, Balu, was appointed for ‘Kazhakam’ duties. However, the temple’s chief priests (‘tantris’) reportedly objected and warned they would not perform their duties if he continued in the role. As a result, the Devaswom Board temporarily reassigned Balu to office work.

Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan clarified that this decision was made by the Cochin Devaswom administrator, not the board chairman. He assured that the government would review the matter and take necessary action. We will look into it, he said in response to Congress MLA A P Anil Kumar, who called the incident an insult to Kerala and questioned why the administrator acted on the priests’ complaint.

Reports also suggest a purification ritual took place after Balu’s removal. CPI(M) leader Kadakampally Surendran condemned the incident, stating it highlights the persistence of caste discrimination and untouchability in some temples.

The government emphasized that employees appointed under existing laws must be allowed to serve. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has also taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation.

The Koodalmanikyam Temple, located in Irinjalakuda, is one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama.