Devotos in the centureny century Pilicode Rayaramangalam in Kasaragod. | Photo credit: special arrangement
In a historical movement, the devotees of all communities entered the Nalambalam – The Sacred Internal Quarter, from the temple of Rayaramangalam of centuries -old Pilicode in the Kasaragod district of Kerala for the first time, ending restrictions based on the caste.
Previously restricted to specific communities, the doors of the four Holy of the temple opened to all sections after a campaign directed by a reformist organization.
Around 8 am on Sunday (April 13, 2025), one day before the Vishu Festival, a group of 16 devotees entered the inside of the temple. Others who had gathered to witness the moment continued, marking a significant change in temple practices.
KV Rajash, a member of the group, said that only people from the Brahmin, Martyar and Vartyar communities were allowed to enter space before. Maniaani, Nair, Vaniya and some other communities were allowed the duration of entry into the festival period.
He said that the initiative headed by the Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayamsahaya Sangham reformist gained impulse with its resolution legalizing universal entry rights. This was followed by the formation of Janakiya Samithi, which includes sociocultural and political organizations, which requested the Tantri (main priest), the State Devaswom Minister, VN Vasavan, and the Administrative Committee of the Temple for the entry rights. “While Tantri had responded that the worship could pray near the internal neighborhood without affecting the rituals, access to it came after the festival’s ceremonies concluded,” he added.
Janakiya Samithi confirmed that the internal neighborhood opened to all devotees in the next few days, reinforcing that the change was not symbolic but permanent.
The Sunday event (April 13, 2025) is acclaimed by Janakiya Samithi as a moral and cultural victory, a sign that ancient rituals must evolve with time to reflect values of equality and inclusion.
Published – April 13, 2025 9:03 PM IST