Koodalmanikyam caste discrimination: Balu resigns from kazhakam post

KOCHI: B.A. Balu has resigned from his job at the Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam temple after facing caste discrimination. Balu submitted his resignation to Administrator K. Ushanandini yesterday morning.

The issue came to light after Kerala Kaumudi reports revealed incidents of caste-based discrimination shown against Balu, who was not allowed to tie garlands as a Kazhakam staff. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, secured the top rank in the Kerala Devaswom recruitment examination. He assumed the Kazhakam role on February 24. However, six Brahmin thantris halted conducting ceremonies of the temple in protest against his appointment as a Kazhakam staff. Consequently, Balu was reassigned as an office attendant on March 5, after which the Thantris resumed attending temple ceremonies, including the consecration day. Their argument was that Kazhakam duties should be performed by Ambalavasis. Currently, Rajesh Pisharody, a janitorial staff member, is handling the Kazhakam role of tying flower garlands.

Balu took leave on March 6 amid the controversies, which ended on March 31. In his resignation letter, Balu cited personal and health reasons. Aged 33, Balu is a resident of Nedumangad, Aryanad in Thiruvananthapuram and holds a master's degree in English.

Since Balu was first in the rank list, he was appointed under the general category. If his resignation is accepted, the next candidate from the same rank list will be appointed. According to Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board Chairman Adv. K.B. Mohandas, the next turn belongs to the Ezhava category, ensuring the position remains with an Ezhava candidate.

The Koodalmanikyam temple has two Kazhagam posts—one permanent, filled through the Devaswom Recruitment Board, and a temporary Karayma post lasting two months. Only one person can hold the role at a time, with the permanent staff required to handle other duties for a two-month period.

Despite an earlier announcement by the Devaswom Minister, widespread protests erupted over caste-based discrimination against Balu. The Human Rights Commission registered a case, and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan assured the Assembly that Balu would continue in the role originally assigned to him. However, Koodalmanikyam temple has long faced criticism for caste discrimination. Notably, water from the canal where Thantris bathe is used for idol consecration and is offered as holy water to devotees.