Kuzhuppully Umesh Krishnan of Mathilakam has become the first Dalit priest in any temple under the Cochin Devaswom Board in Kerala, marking another step towards breaking caste barriers.
The move follows a similar effort by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The priest took over his responsibilities at the sanctum sanctorum of Mahadeva Temple, at Njalikulam, on Wednesday.
He assumed the position from the retiring priest, B.N. Balakrishnan Embranthiri.
“It is the blessing of the Lord,” said Mr. Krishnan, who has been functioning as a priest in various temples for the past 12 years. His parents, wife, children and other family members were present to witness the historic moment. He learned ‘thantra sasthra’ from Manakkad Kannan Shanthi and Prakash Sarma.
K. Arunan, MLA, and many devotees were present.
Last month, 22-year-old Yadukrishna was appointed by the TDB as the first Dalit priest of the 150-year old Manappuram Siva Temple .