Devaswom Board's 'lot' method allegedly used to exclude non-Brahmin priests from major temples

KOCHI: The Cochin Devaswom Board has been accused of implementing tactics to exclude non-Brahmin priests from major temples under its administration. The Board recently issued an order stating that the selection of priests (Shanthis) for ten major temples would be determined by drawing lots, with only permanent employees who have served for at least 15 years eligible for consideration. This draw is set to take place in the Malayalam month of Chingam, when the new Shanthis will assume their roles.

This order effectively ensures that approximately 60 non-Brahmin priests, who were recruited through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board since 2018, will be unable to serve as Melshanthis (head priests) in major temples for at least the next eight years. To date, none of these priests have been appointed to a prominent temple.

Traditionally, these ten major temples have employed only Brahmin priests, irrespective of their length of service. For instance, the current Melshanti of Valanjambalam Bhagavathy Temple has less than four years of service. After a 17-year period of unauthorized absence, he was reappointed last December, primarily due to his Brahmin background and connections with the Devaswom Board. The position of Melshanti in these temples is highly coveted due to the substantial income it generates.

In the Cochin Devaswom Board, the lot-based selection process for the superintendent's term has only been implemented in the Chottanikkara Temple. The criteria for selection are 15 years of service for superintendents and 5 years for Keezhshanthis (subordinate priests). Although seven non-Brahmins were given a chance during the Keezhshanthi interview held last month, none were selected. In other major temples under the Board's jurisdiction, such as Tripunithura, the Melshanti positions are still reserved for Brahmins due to hereditary rights.

Temples where superintendent selection by lot will occur:

- Ernakulam Shiva Temple

- Tripunithura Chakkamkulangara

- Palluruthi Azhakiyakaav

- Ernakulam Valanjambalam

- Ernakulam Ravipuram Temple

- Nelluvai Dhanvantari Temple

- Thrissur Kurumalikkav

- Thrissur Thanikudam Bhagavathy Temple

- Palakkad Nenmara Temple

- Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple