Author: Ramesh Babu
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: November 12, 2002
Hindu priests, heads of various
Hindu bodies and seers will meet at Kottakkal Kerala's Malappuram district
on November 24 to discuss whether doors of temples should be opened to
all, irrespective of religion. In most temples in Kerala, non-Hindus are
not allowed entry. Famous playback singer K.J. Yesudas is an ardent devotee
of Guruvayurappan and Ayyappan, and has sung several songs for the deity.
But he was denied entry in the temple on the ground that he was born a
Christian.
Similarly, poet Yusufali Kecherry,
who has penned some of the best songs on Lord Krishna, is not allowed to
enter the Guruvayur temple because he is a Muslim.
Two years back, when Congress general
secretary Vyalar Ravi's son's marriage was held in Guruvayur Temple, a
purification rite was performed to cleanse the temple premises since Ravi's
wife is not a Hindu.
Several such incidents have hurt
sentiments and there is a long-pending demand to open the temple doors
for all.
The historic conclave is being held
under the initiative of Azhvanchery Raman Thamprackkal, who is considered
to be the religious head of the Namboodiri sect in the state.
"It is a custom to cleanse the religion
and regain spiritual sheen of Hinduism," a spokesman of the Azhvancherry
family told the Hindustan Times.
"No believer should be denied entry
into a temple just for the reason that he or she was born in another religion.
Hinduism is at a crossroads now. Only an internal reformation exercise
can revive its old glory. The conclave is a step towards that direction,"
the spokesman said.
However, he hastened to add that
consensus among all religious heads and priests was necessary for the congregation
success.
Some Sangh Parivar outfits have
welcomed the move to reform Hindu temple rituals.
Chief priests of major temples like
Guruvayur, Sabarimala, Kadampuzha, Chottanikkara and Vaikkom and representatives
of Brahmin Samajam, Sivagiri Mutt, Yoga Shema Sabha, Warrier Samajam and
Nair Service Society are participating in the conclave.
