Thrissur (Kerala) | Senior CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan's recent visit to the Kodungallur Bhadrakali temple in central Kerala saw the BJP target him, claiming it was for darshan, while he maintained it was part of his research for a forthcoming book.
"I am currently writing a book titled Sanatanikalude Hinduthva Vazhikal (The Hindutva Paths of the Sanatanis). One chapter of the book deals with places of worship where non-Brahmanical ritual practices still survive. One of the most important such places is the Kodungallur Kavu," Jayarajan said in a Facebook post after right-wing media outlets and social media accounts began circulating visuals of his visit.
He said that a few days earlier, while travelling to Kochi for a court-related matter, he had stopped at Kodungallur for food and decided to visit the Kodungallur Kavu in person, as he had known about the shrine through studies, reading and local accounts but had never experienced it directly.
"The Kozhikkal, Thavittumutti, and Vasoorimala consecrations at Kodungallur Kavu are unlike what is usually seen in ordinary temples. Each of them carries a distinctive historical and cultural background. They are things that need to be seen and understood directly," Jayarajan said.
The Kozhikkal, Thavittumutti, and Vasoorimala are traditional ritual elements associated with Kodungallur Kavu, reflecting its unique blend of folk worship practices and ancient local belief systems.
Sharing the photo of Jayarajan's temple visit, BJP leader K Surendran mocked the CPI(M) state committee member, saying, "Even the last ember has died out," in a dig at the defeat of his party-led LDF in the April 9 polls in Kerala.
The Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most prominent shrines dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali.
It is known for its unique rituals and strong links to ancient Dravidian and folk traditions, attracting devotees from across the state.
