Kerala HC upholds Tantri's authority in temple rituals, quashes Devaswom decision
- In Reports
- 08:59 PM, Jul 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Kerala High Court has nullified a decision by the managing committee of the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom to permit Hindu artists outside the Ammanoor family from performing Koothu and Koodiyattam at the Koothambalam of the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. The Ammanoor family members hold a hereditary right to perform these traditional temple arts at the Koothambalam.
In its ruling, the court emphasised that dance forms like Koothu and Koodiyattam are integral to religious and ritual ceremonies at the temple. Any alteration to these practices requires the consent of the Tantri (chief priest). Therefore, the Devaswom managing committee does not have the authority to change the nature of performers without the Tantri's approval.
The division bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P G Ajithkumar issued the order in response to a petition filed by Ammanoor Parameswaran Chakyar and others, challenging the decision of the Koodalmanikyam Devaswom managing committee to permit Hindu artists outside the Ammanoor family to perform Koothu and Koodiyattam in the Koothambalam of the Koodalmanikyam temple. The court upheld the exclusive customary right of the Ammanoor family to perform these temple arts in the Koothambalam.
The court emphasised that these performances are linked to religious rituals and are governed by customary practices. According to the Koodalmanikyam Act, 2005, the managing committee is obligated to uphold these traditions under Section 10. Additionally, under Section 35 of the Act, the final decision on such matters rests with the Tantris (chief priests). Despite these legal provisions, the managing committee passed a resolution on February 19, 2022, allowing other Hindu artists to perform at the Koothambalam, which the court deemed as disregarding these fundamental aspects. Therefore, the court's ruling reaffirmed the rights of the Ammanoor family and upheld the traditional practices associated with Koothu and Koodiyattam performances at the Koodalmanikyam temple.
The managing committee argued that the performances by members of the Ammanoor family occur only on a few days each year, leaving the Koothambalam idle for long periods. This lack of regular use has led to poor upkeep and subsequent deterioration of the heritage wooden structure. They emphasised that the Koothambalam had been repaired and restored with assistance from the Central government.
In response, the court observed that while permitting audiences to enter the Koothambalam, it is crucial to ensure that no religious or customary rites practiced in the temple are compromised or violated. This underscores the court's commitment to preserving the sanctity and traditions associated with the temple's rituals, even as it addresses practical concerns about the maintenance and utilisation of its historical structures.
Image. Source: Business Standard
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