'Thampuratti' mention in Devaswom board notice ignites controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A controversy erupted on Saturday after the Devaswom board cultural department addressed the Kowdiar royal family members as Thampuratti( queens and princesses) in a Temple Entry Proclamation notice. After the controversy spread, the printed notices were withdrawn by the Devaswom Board.

The controversy happened in the notice printed for the program dedicating the renovated Temple Entry Proclamation monument at the board headquarters as part of the 87th anniversary of the Temple Entry Proclamation. The event is scheduled for Sunday.

According to critics, the notice espoused the old redundant feudal system and said it was an abominable act to include the same in the Temple Entry Proclamation.

The notice reads, "The Bhadradeepam will be lit by Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi Thampuratti and Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi Thampuratti, who have won the love of the masses for their many welfare activities, simplicity and benevolence."

The notice was prepared by B. Madhusudanan Nair, head of the board's culture and archaeology department. The notice was not shown to Devaswom Board President K. Anantha Gopan who was also part of the inauguration function. Madhusudanan Nair himself had posted the notice on social media. After strong criticism, Nair tried saving his face telling the notice was just meant for board and media members but not for the public. Rejecting this, the President directed Devaswom Secretary G. Baiju to immediately withdraw the notices. The secretary said that only around 100 notices were printed.

Asokan Cheruvil, general secretary of Progressive Kala Sahitya Sangh, criticized the notice on Facebook.

“The entry to the temple was won by the Dalit and backward communities of Travancore after enduring inhumane tortures. Many tears including that of genius Dr Palpu have fallen inside the Travancore Palace. The blood spilt in the villages of Alappuzha is still not dry. The board's move to promote feudal supremacy and such culture through the obsequious mention 'Thampuratti' is reprehensible.” Ashokan remarked.

The board meeting will discuss the issue on Monday. Further steps will be taken after hearing Madhusudanan Nair’s explanation.