Talks to be held to open Guruvayoor temple to non-Hindus

Thrissur (Kerala), Oct 24 (IANS) With the chief priest of the famed Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple of Kerala asking the state government to take the initiative to allow entry of non-Hindus, leading political parties have expressed their support for the move and the state government has decided to take it forward.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, CPI-M 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. We wish that this new interest that has come to open the temple to non-Hindus be taken forward," said Balakrishnan.

As per the rules and regulations of the famed 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 organisations besides political parties," said Chennithala.

State Devasom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said they will first hold talks with the Guruvayoor Devasom.

"Now that this demand has come from the temple Tantri, the state government will take this initiative forward by speaking to all concerned," said Surendran.

Thrissur Lok Sabha member and senior CPI leader C.N. Jayadevan said one reason why the Devasom authorities are not very keen to take this forward is 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 materialised so far. He has rendered a few songs on the temple in films, said Jayadevan.

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