‘Brahmins-only’ toilet in Kerala triggers uproar

A local temple in Thrissur district of Kerala came in for widespread criticism after a picture of ‘Brahminsonly toilet’ located near its premises went viral on social media.

With the picture attracting huge criticism from netizens, the temple management was forced to remove the signboard declaring “Brahmins.”

The picture displayed three toilets bearing signboards — “Men”, “Women” and “Brahmins” at the Kuttumukku Mahadeva Temple.

Many went hammer and tongs against the temple authorities saying that the signboard was unethical and goes against the rich cultural and social traditions of Kerala.

The temple authorities, however, tried to steer clear of the controversy saying that since the toilets were located outside the campus the signboard had not come to their notice till it became a controversy. According to a temple committee staff, the signboard have been there for more than 25 years and this was the first time that a complaint has come up. The toilet with signboard `Brahmin’ was being used by priests and other temple employees.

The signboard was replaced with “staff only” board soon after the matter was brought to the notice of the temple committee.

Arvind G. Christo, a journalist, first noticed the signboards when he visited the temple during a festival on Thursday. He was shocked to see the `Brahmins' board and took a picture and posted

on the Facebook.

Meanwhile, temple secretary Premakumaran who is also a member of CPI(M), told media that the presence of such board was a big mistake on their part. He said such unethical practices would not be allowed in temples. “Our party upholds renaissance values,” he added.