Caste-Based Insults and Discrimination Surface at Thrissur Temple Against Former Priest

Thrissur: A complaint has been raised alleging caste-based abuse at the Karikkulangara Narasimha Temple in Thrissur, reportedly due to skin color. V.V. Satyanarayanan, the temple’s former chief priest, was allegedly subjected to derogatory remarks from the same person. 

Satyanarayanan, who has a dark complexion, was insulted by a woman named Beena Krishnan, who reportedly called him “poonoolitta pulayan” (a Pulayan wearing the sacred thread), a casteist slur. An audio clip of a phone conversation, released by News Malayalam, captures Beena making this remark.

In the clip, Beena is heard saying that a person like him, who offers flowers to the deity, should be referred to as a “poonoolitta pulayan.” She also states that he comes from a lineage where plantain leaves were used to mark status (a reference to caste practices), and that royal blood does not run through his veins.

Satyanarayanan had served at the temple for about five years. He revealed that during this time, even non-NSS (Nair Service Society) devotees faced discrimination similar to what he experienced.

Reports also indicate that devotees belonging to the Ezhava (an OBC caste) community were barred from the annadanam (temple feast), and that people were segregated during temple festival events based on caste. Satyanarayanan stated that he plans to file a complaint against Beena Krishnan for personal and caste-based insults.

He also stated that this woman had made casteist remarks in the past, and that the Kerala Pulayar Sabha had previously filed a complaint against her.