Kottayam: In a landmark decision, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced the elimination of caste-based participation restrictions at the Vaikom Mahadev Temple during the Vadakkupurathu Pattu ceremony. This decision coincides with the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a historic movement against caste discrimination.
The Vadakkupurathu Pattu, a 12-day kalamezhuthu pattu ritual, is performed once every 12 years to appease Goddess Bhadrakali. This sacred event, held on the Karthika day of the Malayalam month of Meenam, takes place in the northern courtyard of the Vaikom Mahadev Temple, accompanied by special rituals and guruthi offerings. This year, it will be observed from April 2-13.
As per the latest decision, all women devotees who have undertaken the vratham (fasting ritual) will be allowed to hold the vilakku (lamp), regardless of caste. The TDB emphasized that it is inappropriate to exclude devotees who wish to participate in this once-in-12-years ceremony.
Devotees wishing to hold the kuthu vilakku must bring their own lamps, and arrangements will be made to accommodate all eligible participants beyond those already listed by the Vadakku Purathu Pattu Samithi. Due to space constraints, the TDB has requested devotees to follow the instructions of temple officials and police for smooth conduct of the rituals.
This progressive move marks a significant step towards inclusivity, aligning with the spirit of the Vaikom Satyagraha, which played a crucial role in abolishing caste-based entry restrictions in temples a century ago.
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