Recent reports by Malayalam channel Asianet and subsequently by leftist/TNM wannabe media portal, SouthFirst have stirred a controversy surrounding the Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, alleging caste discrimination against the appointment of a kazhakakar (temple worker) from the Ezhava community. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals a starkly different narrative—one that exposes the media’s sensationalism, misrepresentation, and disregard for the temple’s traditions and hereditary practices. Here’s the truth behind the headlines.
The Allegations: What Asianet And SouthFirst Claim
Caste Discrimination: Asianet and SouthFirst allege that the temple’s tantris (priests) opposed the appointment of BA Balu, an Ezhava community member, as a kazhakakar, citing caste bias.
Government Intervention: The reports claim that the Kerala Devaswom Board and the state government are standing up against caste-based discrimination, with Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan calling the incident “unacceptable and shameful.”
Human Rights Violation: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has reportedly initiated an investigation into the matter, further amplifying the narrative of caste-based exclusion.
What Is The Truth?
No Mention of Caste in the Tantris’ Letter:
The tantris’ objection to Balu’s appointment was not based on caste. Their letter to the Devaswom Board explicitly highlighted the violation of hereditary rights of the 12 families traditionally associated with the kazhakam posts. These families have served the temple for centuries, and their livelihoods depend on these roles. The tantris’ protest was about preserving these hereditary practices, not about
caste.
Since oppression is the topic for these fake news peddlers, lets dismantle it point by point:
1. The letter submitted by tantris against the appointment didnt have the word "EZHAVA" as claimed here. They only mentioned about retaining the hereditary rights of 12 families https://t.co/3SHqf53LbR
— Aravindalochanan Govindan (@aravindgov) March 11, 2025
Balu’s Denial Of Caste Discrimination
The affected party, Balu, himself clarified that he had never experienced caste abuse from the temple administration, employees, or community members. He stated that he had not personally seen any letter from the Tantris (priests) or the Devaswom Board regarding his removal.
The report suggested that the controversy was politically motivated, with Advocate Ajay Kumar, a Devaswom Board member, playing a role in fueling the claims. Community leaders, including Akiraman Kalidasa Bhattathiri, dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy to divide Hindu society and undermine temple traditions. They argued that such incidents were part of a broader trend to disrupt Hindu unity and interfere in temple affairs for political gains.
Illegal Government Takeover:
The Koodalmanikyam Temple was illegally taken over by the Kerala government, as declared by the High Court. Despite the court’s ruling, the government has refused to vacate the temple. This raises serious questions about the government’s moral authority to intervene in the temple’s affairs.
Displacement of a Long-Serving Worker:
The person displaced to make way for Balu had been working in the temple for over five years and was paid one-third of Balu’s salary. He was asked to leave without notice, raising concerns about fairness and the government’s motives.
Selective Outrage:
Asianet and SouthFirst have remained silent on similar appointments in other temples, such as Parassinikkadavu and Varka
la, where Ezhavas have been appointed to non-hereditary posts. This selective outrage suggests a politically motivated agenda rather than
genuine concern for social justice.
It is interesting to note that your channel which is alleging caste discrimination here has never uttered a word against appointment of Ezhavas alone in Parasinikkadavu or Varkala even in non hereditary posts. Is it because of the diktats of LDF?
— People For Dharma (@People4Dharma) March 10, 2025
Misrepresentation of Tantris’ Role:
The tantris of Koodalmanikyam Temple, hailing from Tharananalloor Mana, have a long history of preserving temple traditions and supporting the livelihoods of shebaits (temple workers). Their protest was not against any individual or community but against the violation of Kshetra Niyamam (temple rules) and hereditary rights.
The Hypocrisy of Government And Media
Toilet Cleaning Jobs for SCs:
While the government portrays itself as a champion of backward communities, it has appointed Scheduled Caste (SC) individuals only for toilet cleaning roles in the temple. This raises questions about the government’s commitment to genuine social justice. Why are there no SC accountants or higher-level employees in the Devaswom office?
Lost Land Records:
The government’s administration of the temple has been marred by incompetence. The land records of the temple were lost in a mysterious
fire shortly after the government took over. This negligence further undermines the government’s credibility in managing the temple.
Media’s Role in Spreading Fake News:
Asianet and SouthFirst have twisted the tantris’ genuine concerns into a caste-based controversy, ignoring the Supreme Court’s verdict in
the Shivacharyar case, which upholds the rights of hereditary temple custodians. This misreporting has tarnished the reputation of the tantris and the temple.
The Bigger Picture: A Fight For Tradition And Rights
The Koodalmanikyam Temple controversy is not about caste discrimination but about preserving tradition and protecting the rights of hereditary workers. The tantris’ protest is rooted in their commitment to upholding the temple’s ancient practices and ensuring the livelihoods of the families who have served the temple for generations.
The government’s intervention, framed as a fight against casteism, appears to be a political maneuver to gain favor with certain communities. Meanwhile, the media’s sensationalism has only deepened the divide, spreading misinformation and undermining the temple’s traditions.
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