Kerala debates temple customs as shirtless entry rule divides Hindu groups​on January 3, 2025 at 11:35 am

Kerala debates temple customs as shirtless entry rule divides Hindu groups

​Kerala debates temple customs as shirtless entry rule divides Hindu groups Kerala debates temple customs as shirtless entry rule divides Hindu groups   

The row over the custom of male devotees removing their shirts before entering temples has sparked a heated debate among various Hindu organisations in Kerala. Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Nateshan weighed in on the matter, emphasising that such issues should not divide the Hindu community.

“There are many sections among the Hindus following various customs and practices. Such issues should not create division among them,” Nateshan told reporters on Friday, urging unity among Hindus despite differing practices. His comments came in response to the recent controversy triggered by the statement of Sivagiri Mutt President, Swami Satchidananda.

Swami Satchidananda had suggested that temples should abandon the custom of not allowing male devotees to wear shirts while entering.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supported the Swami’s stand, stating that such practices could be reconsidered in light of changing times. He said, “It’s something that’s generally requested by many. It’s Satchidanandha Swami who raised this first during his inaugural address. He said that it’s been decided that in places of worship associated to Sree Narayana Guru, there is no need to enter by removing shirts. I spoke about it in my speech after that. That’s what happened. It was not my suggestion but his. It’s a good suggestion.”

Vijayan further said, “A Devaswom board’s representatives had met me. They said they are also planning to adopt this. I said it’s good. He said they are going to implement it. We haven’t got other details. A meeting regarding this matter with all religious heads and all should be conducted by Devaswom board. It’s not up to government. Let them do it.”

However, this sparked sharp reactions from certain factions, particularly from the Nair Service Society (NSS).

G Sukumaran Nair, the general secretary of NSS, criticised the government’s interference, asserting that the customs and practices of temples should not be altered due to political influence. “All Hindus have the freedom to enter temples without disrupting the practices at the respective places of worship,” Nair said, expressing concern over the potential for government overreach.

Nateshan, who heads the SNDP, pointed out that there was nothing new in Swami Satchidananda’s statement. He explained that many temples under SNDP have already permitted male devotees to enter while wearing upper garments. “Some temples may have different practices, but this cannot be abolished in a day,” Nateshan added, suggesting that change, if necessary, should be gradual.

Meanwhile, Kerala Yogakshema Sabha President Akkeeramon Kalidasan Bhattathiripad voiced support for the NSS’s stance, asserting that decisions regarding temple customs should be made by the tantris (priests) and others directly involved in temple administration. He also criticised Chief Minister Vijayan’s remarks, calling them unwarranted. “It is not a political issue and not something to be decided by the government,” Bhattathiripad said.

In contrast, Travancore Devaswom Board President P S Prashanth called for a healthy discussion on whether timely changes are necessary for the customs followed at various temples. “Without discussing it with all sections, we cannot arrive at a decision,” Prashanth said, emphasising the importance of dialogue before making any changes.

With inputs from PTI