Entry of non-Hindus prohibited in Kerala temple

The Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala had courted controversy in April last year for not allowing a non-Hindu Bharatanatyam artist to perform on the stage in the temple courtyard. This is the only temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama's brother Bharata at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur. This temple is a part of the Nalambalam group of temples. Nalambalam has four temples dedicated to Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The entry of non-Hindus is prohibited in this temple established in 854.
U Pradeep Menon, chairman of Koodalmanikyam Devaswom, says- To maintain the 1100-year-old tradition, we did not allow Bharatnatyam artist Manasiya Shyam Kalyan to come to the temple, because the stage was in the temple premises, but now we are going to enter the temple premises. A stage and an adjacent auditorium are being prepared outside, where artists of any religion will be able to perform their art.
He said, that only Hindu artists can perform on the stage built inside the temple premises. No changes have been made to it. He told that the work of the stage and auditorium has started. The temple festival is to be held in May. Before this, the stage and auditorium will be completely ready. There is a seating arrangement for 1500 people.
Referring to the controversy that took place last year, he said – We had asked Bharatanatyam artiste Manasia about her religion. She wrote to us that she does not follow any religion. After this, we had to decide as per our tradition and he was barred from entering the temple premises, but now it will never happen in future.
Renowned Bharatanatyam artiste from Kerala Manasiya Shyam Kalyan had arrived with 800 artists for the 10-day event at the temple to showcase her art. He was born into a Muslim family. She is married to music composer Shyam Kalyan. The temple authorities did not allow them to enter the temple premises.
When Dainik Bhaskar spoke to Manisa on the decision of the temple administration to build a new stage and auditorium of international level for non-Hindu artists, she said – this is a step taken in the right direction. Social change never comes in one fell swoop, but I am glad that a phase of change has begun.
Earlier, when he was suddenly stopped from presenting the program, he had said that in the temple there is an opportunity to present based on religion and not based on art. It was criticized by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and former Kerala health minister KK Selja. Earlier, he was also stopped from performing Bharatanatyam at the Guruvayur temple.