Temple Entry Proclamation

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The Temple Entry Proclamation issued by Maharaja Shri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and his Dewan Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer in 1936 abolished the ban on low-caste people or avarnas from entering Hindu Temples in the state of Travancore (now part of Kerala, India)[1].

The edict is as follows:

"Profoundly convinced of the truth and validity of our religion, believing that it is based on divine guidance and on all-comprehending toleration, knowing that in its practice it has through out the centuries, adapted itself to the needs of changing times, solicitous that none of our Hindu subjects should, by reason of birth or caste of community, be denied the consolations and the solace of the Hindu faith."

Today, the Temple Entry proclamation day is considered as social reformation day by the Government of Kerala.

Contents

[edit] History

In 1896 a Ezhava Memorial signed by more than 13,000 representatives of the Hindu Ezhava community of Travancore in Kerala submitted to the government a praying to be recognized the right of the Ezhavas to enter government service jobs, the upper caste Hindus of the state prevailed upon the Maharajah not to concede the prayer.

In dejection, many of the Ezhavas embraced Christianity, making the Christian population of Travancore increase from six lakhs in 1901 to 17 lakhs by 1931. When it seemed that the fight for equity had not gone anywhere, the leadership threatened that they would convert en masse, rather than stay as helots of Hindu society. Diwan Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, realizing the imminent danger, prompted the Maharajah to issue the proclamation.[1]

[edit] Foot Notes

  1. ^ Dr.Palpu, Treatment of Tiyas in Travancore

[edit] External links

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