'Temple entry proclamation' notice: Madhusoodanan Nair removed from post, decision taken at Devaswom Board meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: B Madhusoodanan Nair, director of the Travancore Devaswom Board’s Cultural and Archaeological Wing, has been removed from the post in the wake of the controversy surrounding the notice issued by the Devaswom Board with regard to the anniversary of the temple entry proclamation. The decision was taken at the Devaswom Board meeting held today. The action was taken against Madhusoodanan Nair on the grounds that there was a lapse on his part in the preparation of the notice. According to the report given by Devaswom Secretary G Baiju, the incident brought disrespect to the board among the public and led to unnecessary controversy. Meanwhile, Madhusoodanan Nair has gone on a 30-day leave after receiving the transfer order.

The controversy erupted over a notice issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board in connection with a programme related to the 87th anniversary of the temple entry proclamation. Several people had criticised the board for addressing the women members of the Travancore royal family as "Queens" in the notice. Many also alleged that the notice praised aristocracy and ignored the struggles held to make the entry of lower caste people possible in temples. Following the controversy, the Devaswom Board withdrew the printed notice.

Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and Gowri Parvathi Bayi had been invited to the event as representatives of the Travancore royal family. However, on Monday morning, the royal family informed the Devaswom board that both of them would not participate in the program due to health issues.