KOCHI: 'Kalkazhukichoott' offering(washing the feet of Brahmins) was held for 'repentance' at Sri Poornathrayesa temple, Thripunithara, which is infamous for caste discrimation.

Twelve Brahmins are seated inside the Thidappally, where the nivedhyam(offerings) is made, and the fee for the atonement offering is twenty thousand rupees.

This is an approved offering by the Cochin Devaswom Board, which governs the temple. It is included in the list of offerings as Twelve Prayers. Some astrologers mislead the devotees into doing this. Two or three offerings are made per month. The thantri fixes the time and date.

Recently, the Cochin Devaswom Board cancelled this ritual, which was being held as part of renovation of Kodungallur Edavi Langshi Vakrishnapuram Mahadeva Temple, when it became a controversy. Meanwhile, news came out that the same ritual was being held at Poornathrayesa temple.

Caste cutoms existing in the temple include:

Only Brahmins are admitted in the prayer hall. There are security gurads to stop the non-brahmins.

The poonol must be worn to ride the elephant during all the four festivals of the year.

No backward class people allowed for melam and as priest.

SC, ST people are selected only for lower posts.

The Board, the Government and the Human Rights Commission have received several complaints from some employees and devotees against caste discrimination.