The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered a case against the tantris (priests) of Koodalmanikyam temple, at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, for alleged caste discrimination against a Devaswom employee and has directed an inquiry into the matter.
The controversy began with the appointment of VA Balu, who belongs to the Ezhava community (Other Backward Community), as Kazhakam at the temple after he cleared the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board exam. Kazhakam duty involves making garlands for the deity and overseeing ceremonial arrangements.
Balu’s appointment was met with opposition from the temple’s Namboodiri priests, who boycotted ceremonies and threatened to abstain from performing rituals for the upcoming ‘pratishtha dinam’ (consecration day). Ever since Balu joined on February 24, priests from six families associated with the temple have refused to perform rituals.
In response, the Devaswom authorities issued a letter seeking an explanation for the priests’ absence. They replied that they would not resume their duties until the ‘wrongdoing’ was corrected. Under pressure, the Devaswom authorities reassigned Balu to office duties, effectively removing him from temple-related responsibilities.
On Monday, March 10, State Human Rights Commission member V Geetha ordered the Cochin Devaswom commissioner and the Koodalmanikyam temple’s executive officer to conduct an investigation and submit a report within two weeks.
Reacting to the developments, former minister and MP K Radhakrishnan said, “The Devaswom Board made the decision to recruit a person to the post of ‘Kazhakam’ for a tenure of 10 months, and that decision must be upheld. Priests do not have the right to deny a person the freedom to work.” He also warned against attempts to revive discriminatory customs and beliefs.
Koodalmanikyam Devaswom chairman CK Gopi told TNM, “As of now, the decision to remove Balu stands. He has been temporarily replaced by a member of the Pisharody community for the post of ‘Kazhakam’.” He clarified, “Balu will be eventually reinstated to temple duty despite the pressure from the priests, unless the court or government rules otherwise.”
The Devaswom authorities justified the temporary reassignment, citing the necessity of priests' participation for the smooth conduct of rituals on the consecration day.
Meanwhile, Balu told the media that he will no longer take up 'Kazhakam' duties and that he will write to the Devaswom authorities about his decision.
