'No harm in entering temple if traditions are followed'

In the wake of the debate over entry of non-Hindus in temples and purification ritual held in Guruvayur temple, a former Sabarimala tantri (high priest) on Wednesday suggested entry be allowed to all who are ready to abide by temple traditions.

"There is nothing wrong in allowing non-Hindus in temples, including the famous Lord Krishna temple in Guruvayur, if the faithful are willing to strictly follow the temple traditions and the stand taken by state Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran (in this regard) should be hailed," former chief priest of Sabarimala temple Keshavan Bhattathiripad told a press conference in Kannur.

Sudhakaran had earlier requested Guruvayur temple authorities to facilitate the entry of singer K J Yesudas, who is a Christian, into the temple.

Barring entry to non-Hindu devotees should be construed as 'contempt on Hindu religion' and anyone who is ready to follow the temple traditions should be allowed to worship, Bhattathiripad said.

Former Sabarimala tantri's remarks come at a time when Hindu religious leaders, including tantris, are holding a meeting to deliberate on the row over the purification ritual conducted at Guruvayur temple after the visit of Union Minister Vayalar Ravi's son, citing the reason that Ravi's wife is a Christian by birth.

"If several kinds of animals are allowed inside a temple, how will the entry of a devotee spoil the sanctity of a place of worship and the public in general should analyse the issue from such a perspective," he said.