The organizers of a recent event were compelled to shut it down after protests erupted over the cooking of meat at the Kalmandapam in Shankhumukham, where the Aarattu Puja of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple was being conducted. The incident occurred during a food festival organized by Kerala Government’s Kudumbashree Mission.
The controversy began when it was reported that meat was being prepared at the Kalmandapam, a sacred site associated with the Aarattu Puja. This act sparked strong protests, with many viewing it as deliberate and provocative. Demonstrators called for urgent intervention from the Home Department, accusing certain groups of attempting to incite division and unrest. They demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and legal action against the organizers, asserting that this was not a simple mistake but a planned provocation.
The issue gained further attention after it was covered by local media, prompting Karamana Jayan, president of the BJP Thiruvananthapuram Central District Committee and member of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Management Committee, to get involved. Eventually, the cooking of meat at the Kalmandapam was halted, but no legal action has been taken against those responsible, including those believed to be behind the conspiracy.
Following the coverage, the cooking equipment was removed, and a team led by Shankhumukham SL visited the site, demolishing a temporary toilet. Cleanup operations are now underway. BJP and Hindu organizations have indicated that they may pursue legal action against the municipal authorities who permitted the cooking in the Kalmandapam.
The historic Shankhumukham area, which includes the Kalmandapam, the Shankhumukham Palace, and the old house, is facing threats to its preservation. The site, popular for its scenic views, especially at sunset, is seen as lacking adequate protection by the government.
Hindu Aikya Vedi is planning to take legal action in response to the cooking incident at the Aarattu Mandapam. State Secretary Sandeep Thampanoor stated that the situation is being closely monitored, and if no action is taken, the organization will escalate their protest.
Additionally, the Kerala Temple Protection Committee will protest in front of the Corporation Office on 17 February 2025 at 3 PM, criticizing the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for desecrating the sacred Aarattu Mandapam and insulting the Hindu community. The BJP has also joined in protesting the incident. In the morning, BJP councilors staged a blockade at the Corporation Office, voicing their objections to the incident.
(With inputs from Janam Online)
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