The Temple Entry Movement in Kerala was a significant social reform that sought to end caste-based discrimination in Hindu temples. Led by leaders like T.K. Madhavan and K.P. Kesava, the movement gained momentum with the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraha. Supported by Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders, the movement led to the Travancore Maharaja's 1936 proclamation opening government-controlled temples to all Hindus. The movement played a crucial role in promoting equality and social justice in Kerala.
Early Efforts: Significant work in the direction of temple entry had already been done by reformers and intellectuals like Sree Narayana Guru and N. Kumaran Asan.
T.K. Madhavan's Initiative: T.K. Madhavan, a prominent social reformer and editor of Deshabhimani, took up the issue of temple entry with the Travancore administration, but no significant progress was made.
Vaikom Satyagraha (1924): Vaikom, in the northern part of Travancore, became a center of agitation for temple entry. In 1924, the Vaikom Satyagraha led by K.P. Kesava was launched in Kerala, demanding the opening of Hindu temples and roads to the untouchables. The satyagraha was reinforced by jathas from Punjab and Madurai. Gandhi undertook a tour of Kerala in support of the movement.
Temple Entry Movement (1931): When the Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended in 1931, another temple entry movement was organized in Kerala. Inspired by K. Kelappan, poet Subramaniyam Tirumambu (the ‘singing sword of Kerala’) led a group of sixteen volunteers to Guruvayur. Leaders like P. Krishna Pillai and A.K. Gopalan were among the satyagrahis.
Proclamation by the Maharaja of Travancore (1936): On November 12, 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore issued a proclamation opening all government-controlled temples to all Hindus.
Madras Presidency (1938): A similar step was taken by the C. Rajagopalachari administration in Madras in 1938.
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