Debate Over Temple Customs: A Clash of Tradition and Modernity

Kerala's political and religious leaders are divided on whether temple customs should evolve over time. While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supports change, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar and others argue such decisions should be left to traditional religious authorities, or tantris, without political interference.

The debate over temple customs in Kerala is intensifying, with state leaders offering differing views on the matter. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan advocates for change, aligning some customs with contemporary times. However, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar asserts that such decisions should be made by the tantris.

Kumar, also part of the Nair Service Society's board, insists that any government-led changes should involve tantris or be decided after a 'devaprasna'. His stance is echoed by other political figures, including NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair, who criticized the chief minister's alignment with Swami Satchidananda on relaxed dress codes for men in temples.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan and Congress leader K Muraleedharan also weigh in, suggesting that these issues be left to the discretion of respective communities and temples. They caution against political involvement in altering long-standing religious customs, underlining the current sensitive political climate in Kerala.

(With inputs from agencies.)