The discovery of suspected ancient temple remnants, including idols of god Shiva and goddess Parvathy, during a routine land excavation at the Pala bishop’s house in Kerala has sparked a remarkable display of communal harmony as both Hindu and Christian communities work towards an amicable resolution.
The artefacts were unearthed in the second week of February when workers were preparing the land for tapioca farming near the Vellappad Bhagavathy Temple. The discovered items include a Shiva linga, an idol of Parvathy Devi, and a stone lamp, among other ancient remnants. The discovery occurred when an excavator dug into the soil during the land preparation work.
Local residents claim the site, situated approximately 700 metres from the Vellappad Bhagavathy Temple, once housed both a temple and an ‘illam’ (traditional Brahmin residence) centuries ago. “Their forefathers have told them about a temple existing in that area centuries ago”, according to Pradeep Namboothiri, melsanthi (chief priest) of the Bhagavathy Temple. The property changed ownership multiple times before being acquired by the Pala diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Following the discovery, Hindu devotees began offering prayers at the site, with the Church authorities not raising any objections. The development has sparked considerable local interest, with visitors flocking to the area after news of the discovery spread. Some Hindu devotees have gathered at the site to chant hymns, and local residents speculate that more relics may be buried in the area.
The Vellappad temple administration has since engaged in discussions with the Bishop House authorities to determine the path forward.
“They have asked for some time to deliberate on the matter. Appropriate decision will be made based on their response, and we are committed to ensuring that this issue does not escalate”, said a member of the Bishop House administration. Fr Joseph Kuttiankal, chancellor at the Bishop’s House, confirmed that the Hindu community had met with the priest in-charge of the properties, stating that they would “take appropriate decisions according to their response”.
The temple authorities are considering conducting a ‘Devaprasnam’, a Hindu astrological ritual to seek divine guidance. “A decision will be taken in consultation with Bishop’s House authorities and taking practicality into account”, explained Vinod Punnmattathil, a member of the Vellapad temple advisory committee. He emphasised that the resolution process would be carried out with utmost care and consideration of all involved, which would require ample time for deliberation.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s ruling party, has announced it will not intervene in the matter. “The BJP central and state leadership discussed the incident and decided not to intervene at any cost”, stated BJP Kottayam District Secretary Akhil P Raveendran. He noted that while the area has a strong Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – Hindu right-wing nationalist organization presence, and devotees visiting the excavation site may include BJP and RSS supporters, the temple committee comprises people from various political backgrounds.
A heated debate has erupted on social media, with allegations of attempts to communalise the issue. Both communities have actively worked to prevent any communal tensions from arising. The Christian Association and Alliance for Social Action (CASA) filed a police complaint against a news channel for allegedly broadcasting false information that could incite religious tensions.
CASA claimed that both parties had agreed to resolve the matter following the guidance of Hindu religious leaders during a discussion on February 8. However, the Bishop House firmly denied these claims, with an official stating, “We have not made any such decision. Those making such claims are clearly trying to exploit the situation”.
The Bishop House has condemned attempts made by certain groups to create discord through misinformation on social media. Meanwhile, the temple authorities have indicated they would make a decision only after consulting religious leaders. “We are considering conducting a ‘Devaprasnam’. A final decision will be made only after discussions with the Bishop House authorities, taking practicality and all perspectives into account”, Punnmattathil reiterated.
The temple committee is currently awaiting the results of religious consultations and the Devaprasnam before proceeding with any decisions, while the Bishop House has expressed willingness to respect the outcome of these deliberations. Vishwa Hindu Parishad district office-bearer Mohanan Panakkal has also visited the site to assess the situation as per reports.
