Kerala temple opens sacred space to all communities in historic move

Kasaragod: In a historic move, the centuries-old Pilicode Rayaramangalam temple in Kerala's Kasaragod district has opened its sacred inner quarter, or nalambalam, to devotees from all communities, ending long-standing caste-based restrictions. This significant shift marks the first time that people from various castes have been allowed entry into the temple’s four sanctums, following a campaign led by a reformist organization.

The change took place at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, a day before the Vishu festival, when 16 devotees stepped into the temple’s inner quarter for the first time. A crowd gathered to witness the moment, which symbolizes a crucial step forward in the temple's practices.

K.V. Rajesh, a member of the group that entered the sacred space, explained that previously, only members of the Brahmin, Marar, and Variyar communities were allowed access, while communities like Maniyani, Nair, and Vaniya were permitted during festival periods. The effort to open the temple's inner quarter to all devotees gained momentum through the efforts of the Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham, a reformist group advocating for universal entry rights.

The movement grew with the formation of the Janakiya Samithi, which included socio-cultural and political organizations. They petitioned the Tantri (head priest), the State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and the temple's administrative committee for universal access. Though the Tantri had initially suggested that devotees could pray near the inner quarter without disrupting rituals, full access was granted after the completion of the festival ceremonies.

The Janakiya Samithi has confirmed that the inner quarter will remain open to all devotees, emphasizing that this change is not a symbolic gesture but a permanent shift. Sunday's event is being hailed as a moral and cultural victory, demonstrating that ancient rituals must evolve to reflect modern values of equality and inclusion.