According to the Kerala High Court verdict delivered on October 23, the certificates issued by the Thanthravidya Peetam also provide eligibility for appointment as temple priests. The ruling is expected to expedite samoohya samarasatha (social harmony) among Hindus. Although it pertains to the Tiruvitamcoor Devaswom Board, legal experts say it will also apply to other Devaswom Boards, namely the Malabar, Koodalmanikyam, and Guruvayur Devaswoms.
The verdict from the Devaswom Bench of the Kerala High Court states that certificates issued by Thanthra Vidyalayas, approved by the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board, are sufficient for eligibility in temple priest appointments. This judgement holds great significance.
The Bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar dismissed the petition filed by the Kerala Thanthri Samaj, which had sought exclusive eligibility for candidates trained only at their institution. The verdict now allows candidates trained in Thanthravidya, even if they are not Brahmins by birth, to be appointed as temple priests.
The petitioners had contested the qualifications of candidates who applied for part-time priest positions. The Court observed that traditions which negate equality and the constitutional principles of fairness cannot be protected. Appointments must be based on qualifications, not caste or heredity.
The Court further noted that Thanthra Vidyalayas maintain credible accreditation processes, with even one of the petitioners having participated in them. The qualifications of candidates will, however, be re-evaluated. The petitioners’ argument that the Recruitment Board lacked expertise to assess qualifications and frame criteria was rejected.
Under the Tiruvitamcoor Devaswom Board, eligibility for part-time priest appointments requires certification from Thanthra Vidyalayas recognised by both the Tiruvitamcoor Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board (KDRB), along with a Class 10 pass certificate.
The Court ruled that even if certain traditions pre-date the Constitution, any that violate human rights, civil laws, or social equality cannot be legally upheld. The High Court had previously cancelled the Devaswom recruitment rank list of the past year; those included in that list will now receive appointment orders following this verdict. The Devaswom Board is expected to face no difficulty in implementing it.
While the ruling directly concerns the Tiruvitamcoor Devaswom Board, it is likely to extend to other Devaswom Boards as well.
Significantly, certificates issued by the Thanthravidya Peetam at Veliyathunad, Aluva, are now recognised as valid for priest appointments. The Peetam upholds the Paliyam Vilambaram declaration, which asserts that the right to perform pooja should transcend caste barriers.
This verdict also encourages a spiritual awakening rooted in inclusivity. Society is now expected to embrace this reform with a generous and open mindset.
The Thanthravidya Peetam was founded by veteran RSS Pracharak P. Madhavji, a leading Thanthravidya scholar of his time and the driving force behind the Paliyam Vilambaram, which was endorsed by experts across Kerala. After his demise in 1988, P.E.B. Menon, the former Prant Sanghchalak of RSS who passed away on October 9, led the Peetam. It continues to train priesthood aspirants irrespective of caste. Hence, this verdict stands as a fitting tribute to the late P. Madhavji and P.E.B. Menon.
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