The Devaswoms minister urged priests to follow rules after the removal of BA Balu, who was appointed to the second Kazhakam post on 24 February, through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board, following an alleged incident of caste discrimination.
Published Mar 11, 2025 | 11:31 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2025 | 12:45 PM
Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda in the Thrissur district.
Synopsis: Kerala Devaswoms Minister VN Vasavan reiterated that the kazhakakaran appointed to the Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda in the Thrissur district should not be restricted from working there. The minister’s statement comes after the removal of BA Balu following an alleged incident of caste discrimination.
Kerala Devaswoms Minister VN Vasavan reiterated on Monday, 10 March, that the kazhakakaran appointed to the Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda in the Thrissur district should not be restricted from working there in accordance with the Devaswom rules.
The minister’s statement comes after the removal of BA Balu, who was appointed to the second Kazhakam post on 24 February, through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board, following an alleged incident of caste discrimination.
Kazhakkarans are appointed to the Kazhakam post to prepare garlands and other pooja supplies and perform external chores at the temple.
The tantris (Priests) of Koodalmanikyam temple had announced boycotting ceremonies to protest the appointment of Balu, an Ezhava community member, as a priest.
Balu, a native of Aryanad in Thiruvananthapuram, was reassigned to office work after objections from the tantris, who opposed his role in rituals like flower garland making.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) ordered an investigation into the discrimination.
Vasavan emphasised that excluding someone from work based on caste is unacceptable and shameful for the Kerala society.
He noted that the state has a history of appointing non-Brahmins as temple priests. The minister clarified that the government’s position is that the kazhakakaran should work in the temple itself, according to the Devaswom rules.
The Koodalmanikyam Act and Regulations stipulate that the person recommended by the tantri can be appointed to the Kazhakam post through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board.
Vasavan urged the society to adopt a progressive stance, especially during the centenary celebrations of Gandhiji’s visit to the Vaikom Satyagraha venue.
The SHRC initiated a suo moto case after the families of six tantris decided to stay away from their duties in protest against the appointment of Balu. It has asked the commissioner of the Cochin Devaswom Board and the executive officer of the Koodalmanikyam temple to submit their report within 14 days.
The Warrier Samajam had taken legal action in his support, while tantris threatened to skip Pratishta Dinam rituals if he remained.
To avoid disruptions, a Pisharody priest had been assigned in his place until the court rules on the matter. Balu has reportedly faced discrimination and is considering resignation.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
