Royal family withdraws from event amid Devaswom Board notice controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Members of the royal family, Ashwathi Thirunal Gauri Lakshmibai and Pooyam Thirunal Gauri Parvathibai will not attend Monday's function at the Travancore Devaswom Board headquarters due to the controversy surrounding the notice issued by the Board. Sources from the palace indicate their withdrawal to avoid further controversy.

Ashwathi Thirunal Gauri Lakshmi Bai and Pooyam Thirunal Gauri Parvati Bai were originally scheduled to light the Bhadra Deepam at Monday's ceremony dedicated to the renovated Temple Entry Proclamation Monument and Temple Entry Proclamation Anniversary. However, in light of the controversy, only flower distribution will take place at the event. The Devaswom Board meeting will address the issue today.

The printed notice, which praised Naduvazhitham was withdrawn by the Devaswom Board after references to the Queen and Tamburatti sparked controversy. The notice, prepared by the Head of Culture and Archaeology Department, B. Madhusudan Nair was criticized for misrepresenting temple entry.

Devaswom Board President K Anantha Gopan stated that the controversy over the notice is unnecessary. He emphasized that temple entry has a long tradition of inclusivity, bringing together people from all castes. Gopan argued that temple entry is a right, not a generosity bestowed by the king, and questioned the necessity of deleting historical facts.

The Temple Entry Proclamation memorial is 30 years old, with a small garden constructed around it. The dedication ceremony was planned to be simple and the notice was printed for the occasion. President Gopan clarified that normal notices are displayed and printed only after approval refuting claims that this procedure was not followed in this instance.