Anurag's appointment

Over time, many social evils have disappeared. In earlier days, those from so-called “lower castes” were barred not only from entering temples but even from walking on the paths nearby. It was widely believed that if they entered and prayed, the deity would be “defiled.” Both temple authorities and rulers used this casteist reasoning to justify exclusion. Before the Temple Entry Proclamation, some people sought the guidance of Sree Narayana Guru on this issue. Guru did not encourage them to force their way into temples. Instead, he advised them to establish their own temples, learn the rituals, and perform the worship themselves. He explained that once they had their own places of worship, society would eventually be compelled to open all temples to them. By consecrating temples, Guru set this movement in motion, which later led to the Temple Entry Proclamation.

Guru defeated caste oppression not through open confrontation but by weakening it from within. In Kerala too, the majority of the population belonged to the lower castes. If they avoided major temples, over time, those temples would even struggle financially. Today, no Hindu is barred from entering any Hindu temple on the basis of caste—and it is unlikely to happen again. This change came with time. No oracle or ritual has ever declared that a deity is displeased because people from lower castes entered. In fact, temple income and administration improved significantly after entry was opened to all, showing clearly that progress followed inclusivity.

Yet, the idea that a deity will not be pleased if a person from a so-called lower caste performs rituals, even if done properly, still lingers in society. The problem arises when humans decide and announce what is supposedly pleasing or displeasing to God.

Such issues resurface from time to time. The report titled “Koodalmanikyam, the Den of Caste Prejudice” by our correspondent T.K. Sunilkumar, published in Kerala Kaumudi, is what led to a case that has now drawn the intervention of the High Court. The court has cleared the way for the appointment of K.S. Anurag, a native of Cherthala from the Ezhava community, to the post of Kazhakam staff at the Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple. Earlier, the first-rank candidate selected through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board, B.A. Balu from Aryanad in Thiruvananthapuram, had been forced to resign due to intense caste discrimination. It was only after his resignation that Anurag got the opportunity.

For Anurag, who comes from a poor family in Kalavancode, this job is crucial. The 23-year-old commerce graduate is the sole hope of his financially struggling household. Though he received the advice memo, his appointment order was delayed, and attempts were made to obtain a stay against it. However, the High Court dismissed these efforts, clearing the way for him. A few minor obstacles remain before Anurag can formally take charge. It is hoped that the temple authorities will act with wisdom, set aside outdated caste prejudices, and allow him to assume his rightful post.