In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
The famous Thanumalayan Temple is located in Suchindram in Kanyakumari district. It is a shrine where Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu are represented in a single form. Dating to the 9th century, the temple has several distinctive features, including a 134-foot-high seven-tier Rajagopuram, beautiful sculptures and an 18-foot-high Hanuman statue. For several centuries, because of untouchability, people belonging to several communities including Paraiyar, Pulayar, Ezhavar, Nadar and Kuravar were unable even to enter the temple streets. Street barriers (bamboo screens) were placed at the entrances to prevent them from entering. Entering the temple itself remained a distant dream for them.
The social injustice occurring in this region, which was under the rule of the Travancore king, was discussed on 19.1.1926 at the residence of Dr. M.E. Naidu in Kottar. On 19.2.1926, under the leadership of Dr. M.E. Naidu, H. Perumal Panicker, P.C. Thanumalai Perumal, Gandhi Das and a large number of people staged a sit-in protest at the entrance to Sannathi Street in Suchindram. The government arrested those who took part in the protest. Nevertheless, following the continuous struggle that lasted for 10 years, the government yielded.
Travancore Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma issued the Temple Entry Proclamation on 12.11.1936. Accordingly, he declared that all Hindu temples would be opened for people to enter without caste discrimination. In January 1937, Mahatma Gandhi entered the temple with people from oppressed communities and worshipped there. Following the Vaikom struggle, this was one of South India’s important social reform victories. It also became a model for the temple entry protest held in Madurai in 1939. It further helped pave the way for the Temple Entry Authorization Act in the Madras Presidency in 1947.
In particular, the fact that people from upper-caste sections, including Dr. Naidu, took the lead in conducting this protest is viewed as an effort towards caste unity. With 100 years having passed since this protest, the Temple Entry Protest reminds us of the importance of social justice, the abolition of caste and non-violent struggle. Rather than treating it merely as an event of the past, it is essential that the Tamil Nadu Government commemorate it as a symbol of opposition to caste discrimination, human rights and social reform.
Just as the government conducted the Vaikom Satyagraha centenary celebrations, it should commemorate and conduct a centenary event for the Suchindram Temple Entry Protest. In connection with this, a resolution should be passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and tribute should be paid to the leaders. A centenary memorial pillar should be erected in the Suchindram area. Information boards describing these historical events should also be installed along the temple circumambulatory route. A Social Reform History Centre should be established in Kanyakumari district to document such historical events, and this history should also be included in the school curriculum. This commemoration is not merely a ceremonial observance. It is a proud chapter in the history of social reform that strengthens equality, human dignity and the abolition of caste.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).
