MANGALURU: Here, God comes to the rescue of the overburdened judicial system, literally. Kanathoor Nalvar Daivasthanam shrine in Kasaragod district of Kerala, about 90 km from Mangaluru, serves both as temple and court, and has been delivering justice since long with “divine intervention”. For the devout, this is the highest court of justice. The litigants blindly believe in this religious court’s verdict and seldom appeal against the “order”.
Seeking justice of the highest order, all types of disputes ranging from financial deals to land disputes and family matters to theft cases are brought to this temple. Of late, it has become popular as Nyaya Degula (temple of justice).
“Plaintiffs visit the temple and put their request for justice before the deity. The temple authorities subsequently issue notice to the defendants and fix a date for them to visit the temple. Punishment can be in any form, ranging from bending before the deity in genuine repentance to compensating the other party for loss,” says Dayanand Budriya of Meeyapadav.
“If they fail to visit the temple despite a couple of notices, it is left to the deity to decide the fate of the defendants,” he says, adding that those who show “contempt of court” suffer personal loss and repent later.
Managing trustee of the temple trust, K P Gopalan Nayar, says that 90 per cent of the cases are amicably solved. The cases left to the deity also get settled in less than five years. However, if the guilty person does penance and compensates for the plaintiff’s losses in that five-year period, chances are that the supreme power may forgive him and he will be spared of the punishment.
“The temple has become famous for its unique and time-tested justice delivery system. We suggest to the people to be tolerant and faithful before seeking the deity’s intervention,” Nayar adds.
Legacy of 800 years
The Nalvar temple belongs to a Nair family of Kerala. The temple is managed by the trust and the income goes towards development works and daily expenses like anna prasadam and religious ceremonies. Locals say the temple has a legacy of 800 years and several instances of speedy justice by the deity popularised this temple over the years. “Devotees come from rural areas of Karnataka, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kerala,” says Gopalan Nayar.
Daivas deliver justice
The deity here is an amalgamation of four daivas (spirits), which is a rare combination. Hence, the name Nalvar Daivasthana. Some people call the deity Kanathoor Appe (mother), others Kanathoor Ayya (father). The devotees can address the deity the way they want to. In folklore, the four daivas are Chamundi, Rakteshwari, Vishnumurthi and Guliga. The annual festival is held in December.