Kerala Hindu monk calls for doing away with practice of men removing shirts at temples

Thiruvananthapuram: A Hindu monk in Kerala has called for doing away with the practice of men being asked to remove shirts for entering many temples in Kerala.

Swami Satchidananda, head of the Sivagiri Mutt founded by renowned social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, made the call on Tuesday during the inaugural session of the annual three day pilgrimage of the mutt, which is situated at Varkala on the suburb of Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who delivered the inaugural address, also backed it.

"Asking male devotees to remove shirts for entering temples is against the preachings of Sree Narayana Guru. It is a social evil and it has to be abolished. The practice of asking devotees to remove shirts was introduced earlier to see if those entering temples were wearing 'poonool' (sacred thread worn by Hindu upper caste community members). Unfortunately some temples under organisations associated with Sree Narayana Guru are still banning entry of men wearing shirts. The organisations like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam should look into it," said Satchidananda.

The Chief Minister said that Sathchidananda's suggestion could be considered as a key intervention for a social reformation. "Many traditions and practices have undergone timely transformations. I hope that not only temples associated with Sree Narayana Guru, but all temples will consider such social reforms," he said.

Sivagiri Mutt is a major pilgrim centre of the Hindu Ezhava community. The annual pilgrimage witnesses discussions on various socially relevant issues and there will be participation of eminent personalities.