Kerala temple opens inner sanctum to all castes for first time: Reform or one-time exception?

A 16-member group on Sunday entered the 'nalambalam' (inner quadrangle) of the centuries-old Pilicode Rayaramangalam temple in Kerala’s Kasaragod district on Sunday to offer prayers. This marks the first time in the temple’s history that people of all castes were allowed into the sacred space.

Previously restricted to specific communities, the doors of the four sanctums of the temple were opened to all sections following a campaign led by a reformist organisation.

On the eve of Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, the group of devotees stepped into the inner sanctum at around 8 am. Their act was soon followed by others who had gathered to witness the moment.

K V Rajesh, one of the participants, said that until now, access to the nalambalam was limited to Brahmins, Marars, and Variyars. Other communities, including Maniyanis, Nairs, and Vaniyas, were traditionally permitted only during specific festival days.

The shift was brought about by the efforts of the Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham, a reformist organisation that had passed a resolution calling for equal access to temple spaces. This was followed by the formation of the Janakiya Samithi, comprising socio-cultural and political organisations, which petitioned the Tantri (head priest), State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and the temple administrative committee for entry rights.

Rajesh explained that while the tantri had initially indicated that worshippers could pray near the inner quadrangle without disrupting temple rituals, full access was granted only after the completion of the temple’s festival ceremonies.

According to temple executive officer Raveendran N V, the temple has long adhered to strict customs. "Only the tantri has access through the narrow passageway between the inner quadrangle and the sanctum sanctorum,” he told the reporters.

The official also emphasised that the temple’s traditions must be upheld. "We will file a civil case to prevent further unauthorised access to the inner quadrangle. However, we will not be conducting purifying rituals following the group’s entry as the temple does not practice such regressive rituals,” he said.

The Janakiya Samithi, however, said that the inner quarter will remain open to all devotees, emphasizing that this change is not a symbolic gesture but a permanent shift.