Ajay TharayilKozhikode: A senior Congress leader has demanded that all those who believe in temple and idol worship, including non-Hindus, should be allowed to enter temples. Ajay Tharayil, who is also a Devaswom Board member, raised the demand in a Facebook post.
The Travancore Devaswom Board allows entry to temples only for Hindus and those who would give in writing that they are Hindu faithful. Tharayil pointed out that many non-Hindus, who believe in temple rituals and idol worship frequent temples, and argued that the board's refusal to admit non-Hindus thus became irrelevant.
He said as per the 1952 order issued by the Devaswom Board, only Hindus and those who are willing to declare their faith in Hinduism in writing can be allowed to enter temples. He said a new order allowing anyone who has faith in rituals and idol worship to enter temples must be issued.
He pointed out that anyone submitting a declaration that he believes in Hinduism 'virtually' converts to that faith. It was not the responsibility of the Devaswom Board to promote conversions. Tharayil said he, therefore, hopes that the board chairman and other members will support his demand.
What the board president has to say
Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said the board cannot take a unilateral decision on the entry of non-Hindus. "This should be discussed among clerics, the temple advisory committee, the government and the different Devaswom Boards. It can be allowed if there was a unanimity of opinion," he said.
The minister's view
Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said non-Hindus were not barred from entering temples. There was no need for a separate discussion on the matter, he asserted.
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