Keralam Temple Defends Bhajan Group as Christian Song Sparks Row

Kottayam: A temple in Keralam has come out in support of the bhajan group that performed a Christian devotional song, among other songs, during the temple festival. The Vempinkulangara Sree Mahavishnu Temple, a temple in Keralam’s Kottayam district said that they see nothing wrong with the performance, even as the bhajan group, Nandagovindam Bhajans, had come under heavy criticism by pro-Hindutva groups.

In a statement, the temple committee emphasised the region’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony. “For all programmes held at the temple, people of all religions extend their cooperation. During the local festival (Desavilakku), just as we light lamps, Christians too light wicks. When the thalappoli procession passes, they light lamps along the roadside - this has been a yearly practice. That is the tradition and unity of this place,” it said.

In response to the criticism, Naveen Mohan, the singer of Nandagovindam Bhajans wrote on social media: “We have not crossed any boundaries. We did not see any divisions anywhere. Ours is a land where devotion flows beyond names.”

The committee also added that the performance took place in the presence of the singer Naveen’s teachers, friends, classmates and family members, and that “in such a setting, we found nothing wrong in singing such a song. We do not believe it is any serious offence.”

Local media reported that the festival, held on the 14th, was part of a campaign to raise funds for the reconstruction of the temple. The event was conducted outside the temple premises due to space constraints.

While the inclusion of Christian devotional song during the bhajana gained applause from many, pro-Hindutva groups launched a cyber attack against the bhajan group. Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K. P. Sasikala made a sarcastic remark, saying, “Chicken masala is good, but it should not be put in payasam.”