As per the rules and regulations of the Guruvayur temple, entry is barred to non-Hindus and in case the entry of a non-Hindu comes to attention, then a purification ceremony is conducted by the temple authorities.Thrissur: With the chief priest of the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple here asking the state government to take the initiative to allow entry of non-Hindus, leading political parties have expressed their support for the move.
The state government has also decided to take the proposal forward.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said they heard with happiness the statement of Tantri Dineshan Nampoothiri on allowing entry to non-Hindus, who are believers.
"The Left government can take pride in deciding to go ahead by appointing non-Brahmins as temple priests in the temples that come under the Travancore Devasom Board. No other state can claim to have achieved this," Kodiyeri said, adding that the proposal to let non-Hindus enter the temple could be taken forward.
However, some family members of the chief priest have come out against the move, saying it would hurt the sentiments of the devotees. Narayana Nampoothiri and four others issued a statement against Dineshan's stance.
As per the rules and regulations of the temple, entry is barred to non-Hindus and in case the entry of a non-Hindu comes to attention, then a purification ceremony is conducted by the temple authorities.
Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala too welcomed the Tantri's statement. "Now a consensus is needed. Talks should be held with the temple priests, social and cultural organizations besides political parties," said Chennithala.
State Devasom minister Kadakampally Surendran said they will first hold talks with the Guruvayur Devaswom.
"Now that this demand has come from the temple Tantri, the state government will take this initiative forward by speaking to all concerned," he said.
Thrissur Lok Sabha member and senior CPI leader C.N. Jayadevan said one reason why the Devaswom authorities were not very keen to take the proposal forward was the fear of inviting unnecessary wrath for changing the rules.
"Popular singer Yesudas should be allowed entry to the temple," said Jayadevan.
Yesudas for long has been waiting to enter the temple, but it has not materialized so far. He has rendered a few songs on the temple in films, said Jayadevan.
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