Breaking centuries-old custom Dalit men enter Brahmin run temple in Kerala

Kasargode: A group of Dalit men entered the Jadadhari Boothasthanam temple in Enmakaje panchayat, Kasaragod district which until now denied entry to members of oppressed castes. They broke a centuries-old rule that banned Dalits from entering the temple and worshipping the deity.

Five of the men who entered the temple on Sunday were members of the Pattikajathi Kshemasamithi (Scheduled Caste Welfare Council). The sixth was Advocate Chandramohan, is a Local Committee Secretary of the CPI (M), reported The News Minute.

The group wasn't able to pray at the sanctum sanctorum as it has been closed for the past three years. In 2018, a Dalit man named Krishna Mohana entered the temple and prayed at the sanctum sanctorum. The five Brahmin families that run the temple closed it after the incident.

Theyyam is the deity worshipped in the temple. Oppressed caste members are not allowed to watch the Theyyam festival with the Brahmin families. Dalits are forced to stand in an asbestos-roofed shed to watch Theyyam. The discrimination further extends to the main road near the temple as well. Dalits have to travel through another narrow walkway, reported TNM.

Pattika Jathi Kshema Samithi President MK Panicker said that the older generation of Dalits did not question the discrimination but the younger generation want to challenge it. He added that Dalits were made to believe that they will attract the wrath of God if they enter the temple. "It was barbaric."

He added that some practices like not allowing Dalits to eat with others still prevail. "Dalits are not allowed to eat within the temple surroundings. They should take the food and go back to their homes."

Kasaragod District Secretary BM Pradeep told The News Minute that one of the Brahmin families has been in favour of the Dalits entering the temple. He added that the Khsema Samithi is keen on reaching a solution through discussion and wants brotherhood to prevail.