THRISSUR: Pitching for a paradigm shift in the norms presently set in place for the entry of believers into temples in the state, Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi which has nearly 500 temples under its control and closely associated with the functioning of another 3,000 temples in Kerala, has passed a resolution in its annual conference here demanding entry to all, who follow the rituals and norms of the temples.
Going by the resolution, singer Yesudas, who is facing a ban on entry into several temples in the state, need to be given permission to enter them. The resolution passed on Sunday at the state conference of the Samithi will be forwarded to all devaswoms and the state government.
The functionaries said that in all the temples under its control all those who believe in Hindu faith and follow temple norms shall be given entry regardless of their religion. In the majority of the temples in the state, non-Hindus are banned entry.
Speaking at the conference, vice-president of the samith Swami Ayyappa Das said singer Yesudas, who has upheld the sanctity of temples and strictly followed the temple rituals and norms had every right to enter all the temples.
The fact that the singer, who has sung several well-known Hindu devotional songs, which are often played inside major temples like Guruvayur, is banned entry to these temples, has been an issue of debate in Kerala for the past several years.
Kalraj Mishra, Union Cabinet Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, also spoke at the meeting. He said the temples had been a source of cultural enlightenment and praised the effort of the samithi which has been rebuilding several temples in the state which were on the verge of destruction.