KEY POINTS
- All castes allowed into Pilicode Temple’s inner sanctum for the first time
- Reformist groups led the push for equal temple access
- Move seen as a historic step toward caste-free worship
In a big and important decision, all devotees, no matter which caste or community they belong to, were allowed to enter the inner part of the centuries-old Pilicode Rayaramangalam Temple in Kasaragod district, Kerala. This inner part, called the nalambalam, is a very sacred area where only a few upper-caste communities were allowed earlier.
This step is being seen as a positive change for the whole country. It shows that old practices that divide people based on caste are slowly changing. Now, everyone who comes with faith and devotion can offer prayers inside the temple. This kind of change brings unity among people and makes temples more inclusive for all.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, just one day before the Vishu festival, 16 people from different communities walked into the nalambalam for the first time. This moment was very emotional and powerful, as others who had come to see this event also joined in. This was a moment of true equality, and many called it a turning point in temple history.
Earlier, only people from the Brahmin, Marar, and Variyar communities could enter the inner quarter. Others like the Maniyani, Nair, and Vaniya communities were only allowed during festival times. This rule had continued for many years, keeping many faithful devotees away from full participation in temple worship.
The move to open the temple to everyone was led by a reformist group named Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham. They passed a strong resolution saying that every devotee, no matter their caste, should be allowed inside. After that, a larger group called Janakiya Samithi was formed. This included social, cultural, and political organisations who worked together to request the temple authorities to allow equal entry.
The Janakiya Samithi sent petitions to the temple’s head priest (Tantri), Kerala’s State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and the temple’s administrative committee. The head priest had earlier said that worshippers could pray near the inner quarter without disturbing the rituals. However, real entry into the nalambalam was only allowed after the recent festival rituals were over.
The Janakiya Samithi confirmed that this was not a one-time event. From now on, the inner quarter of the temple will remain open to all. This means the decision is permanent and not just a symbolic gesture. It is a new beginning for temple traditions that now embrace equality and fairness.
Sunday’s event is being called a moral and cultural victory by many people. It proves that religious places should be open to all who have faith, and not be limited by someone’s caste. Temples are meant for devotion, not discrimination. Allowing everyone inside sends a strong message, that all are equal in the eyes of God.
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