Travancore Devaswom Board yet to decide on non-Brahmin priest Sudhikumar

ALAPPUZHA: The TDB is playing hide and seek on the unofficial ban imposed on Sudhikumar, the non-Brahmin priest of Chettikulangara temple, from entering the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). It may be recalled that he was appointed there as Keezhsaanthi (assistant priest) after a three-month-long controversy. Earlier, all the Keezhsaanthis had entered the sanctum sanctorum at will. Now the administrative officer has allowed the Melsaanthi (chief priest) to get the help of a minor Brahmin boy to enter the Sreekovil, though his posting is illegal.

Sudhikmar had taken charge on September 27, but the TDB and thantri Plakkudy Unnikrishanan Namboodiri have not allowed him to enter the Sreekovil. The thantri was in the eye of storm earlier with his comment that the appointment of a non-Brahmin priest would invite the wrath of the deity. Administrative officer S. Sreekumar said on Wednesday said that the Melsaanthi had the right to appoint a helper and that the TDB had no role in it. As per the precedence of Chettikulangara temple, no Keezhaanthi would be allowed in the sanctum sanctorum. "Keezhsaanthis are entrusted to do pujas at the temples of sub-deities," he said.

Meanwhile, SNDP Yogam Mavelikara union has decided to protest against the attitude of the TDB and the thanthri in promoting untouchablility. "We will organise a march towards the AO's office. The unannounced ban imposed on Sudhikumar is a human rights violation and we will also approach the human rights commission in this regard," said B. Suresh Babu, union secretary.