Koodalmanikyam temple row: Controversy over appointment of Ezhava youth for Kazhakam

The Hindu

07-08-2025

The story so far:
The Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, dedicated to Lord Bharata and managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board, recently found itself at the centre of a caste-related controversy involving the appointment of a temple employee to the Kazhakam — a role involving the making of garlands and ceremonial arrangements for the temple rituals. The conflict arose after B.A. Balu, a member of the OBC Ezhava community, was appointed to the post through the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB), prompting opposition from temple priests (Thanthris) who claimed the role was traditionally reserved for members of specific families with hereditary rights.
Who is B.A. Balu and how was he appointed?
B.A. Balu, from Aryanad in Thiruvananthapuram, secured the Kazhakam position after successfully clearing the KDRB's examination and interview process. His appointment followed due procedure under the rules governing temple recruitments in Kerala. However, his entry into the role was challenged on two grounds, caste identity and hereditary claims.
Why did the priests oppose his appointment?
Priests associated with the temple refused to perform rituals in protest against Mr. Balu's appointment. They argued that the Kazhakam duties, considered spiritually significant, had historically been performed by members of certain families and any deviation from this practice would violate long-standing traditions.
Was caste discrimination involved?
What followed was a stand-off between the temple's Tantris, the Devaswom Board, political outfits, and social activists. Reformists and rights bodies argued that the opposition of temple priests was rooted in caste bias, as Mr. Balu belonged to a backward caste.
The most revered offering at the Koodalmanikyam Temple is the lotus garland, traditionally used to adorn Lord Bharata. Until now, this sacred garland was crafted by individuals from upper-caste communities. The present unease among these sections, according to some social activists, stems from a fear that this long-held notion of 'caste purity' might be disrupted if the tradition becomes more inclusive. The matter triggered widespread public outrage, with allegations that the objection was not solely about tradition but also reflected entrenched caste-based discrimination in religious institutions.
What actions did the authorities take?
In response to escalating tensions, the Devaswom authorities reassigned Balu to a clerical role in the temple office. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission ordered a formal investigation into the allegations of caste discrimination. The State Government reiterated that appointments made under the existing legal framework must be honoured regardless of caste.
What happened next?
Amid protests Balu resigned from the position. His resignation, however, did not put the matter to rest. The next person on the KDRB rank list, K.S. Anurag, also from the Ezhava community, was asked to join in the same position. However, a senior member of the Thekke Varriam family moved the Kerala High Court, asserting their hereditary and spiritual right to the Kazhakam duties. In a submission in response to the above petition, the Thanthri of the temple told the High Court that his views were not sought, as required under the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Act, before appointing a person for Kazhakam duty. The Court responded by staying the appointment of the new candidate until it considered the family's claim.
What is the government's stand?
The Kerala Government has maintained that appointments made through the Devaswom Recruitment Board are legally valid and should be implemented without discrimination. State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan stated in the Assembly that denying jobs on the grounds of caste discrimination is a disgrace to the cultural society of Kerala. Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice R. Bindu condemned the priests' boycott, stating that it was unacceptable in a democratic society to prevent someone from working based on caste.
Why does this matter?
The controversy lays bare the contradictions between constitutional ideals of equality and temple practices rooted in hereditary privilege. It also calls into question how far institutions have progressed in ensuring representation for marginalised communities, especially within religious and cultural domains.
What lies ahead?
The Kerala High Court is expected to deliver a verdict on the validity of hereditary claims over temple positions, a ruling that could set a precedent for similar disputes across the State. The Kazhakam controversy is not merely about one appointment, but reflects broader societal debates, between modern constitutionalism and inherited ritual roles, within the sacred spaces of religious institutions.