Shiv Linga, Temple remnants found on diocese land in Kerala, church approves Hindu ritual
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Remnants of a temple, including a Shiv Linga, were discovered last week on land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Palai in Kerala, prompting the Church to allow Hindu devotees to conduct a devaprasnam, an astrological ritual meant to interpret the will of God.
The remains were uncovered while earthmovers were ploughing a 1.8-acre plot of land for tapioca cultivation, situated about 1 km from the Sree Vanadurga Bhagavati temple at Vellappadu near Palai, The Indian Express reported.
According to members of local Hindu organizations and Church officials, the discovery occurred on February 4, though it was only two days later that locals visited the site and lit lamps. The Sree Vanadurga Bhagavati temple committee, upon learning of the find, immediately reached out to the diocese.
Vinod K S, a member of the temple committee, explained that after a meeting between both parties, it was agreed that the devaprasnam would be conducted. He added that the temple committee is refraining from directly engaging with the land at this stage to avoid potential issues.
Fr Joseph Kuttiankal, the chancellor of the diocese, confirmed the discovery of the temple remains and expressed the Church’s willingness to cooperate. He emphasized the strong relationship between the Catholic community and Hindus in Palai, stating, "Our Diocese has a very loving approach towards their demands."
The gesture by the Church was warmly received by Hindu leaders. Advocate Rajesh Pallat, president of the Hindu Maha Sangham at Meenachil, expressed his appreciation for the Church’s positive response.
He explained that local elders had long spoken of the presence of a temple on the land, which was once owned by a Brahmin family before passing through several hands, eventually becoming part of the diocesan property.
The devaprasnam is expected to take place in the coming days.