Kerala temple opens sacred space to all sections
IN a landmark move, devotees from all communities entered the nalambalam - the sacred inner quarter - of the centuries-old Pilicode Rayaramangalam temple in Kasaragod for the first time, ending restrictions based on caste, reports The Hindu.
Previously restricted to specific communities, the doors of the four sanctums of the temple were opened to all sections following a campaign led by a reformist organisation.
Around 8 a.m. on Sunday (April 13, 2025), a day before the Vishu festival, a group of 16 devotees stepped into the inner quarter of the temple. Others who had gathered to witness the moment followed, marking a significant shift in the temple’s practices.
K.V. Rajesh, a member of the group, said that only people from the Brahmin, Marar and Variyar communities were allowed to enter the space earlier. Maniyani, Nair, Vaniya and a few other communities were allowed entry during the festival period.
He said the initiative spearheaded by the reformist body Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham gained momentum with its resolution advocating for universal entry rights.
This was followed by the formation of the Janakiya Samithi, comprising socio-cultural and political organisations, which petitioned the Tantri (head priest), State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and the temple administrative committee for entry rights.
“While the Tantri had responded that worshippers could pray near the inner quarter without affecting rituals, access into it came after festival ceremonies concluded,” he added.
The Janakiya Samithi confirmed that the inner quarter will remain open to all devotees in the coming days, reinforcing that the change was not symbolic but permanent.
Sunday’s (April 13, 2025) event is being hailed by the Janakiya Samithi as a moral and cultural victory, a sign that age-old rituals must evolve with time to reflect values of equality and inclusion.
