Historic Entry: SC Community Enters Namakkal Temple After Decades of Exclusion

 In a landmark moment for social harmony and inclusivity, members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community were allowed to enter the Maha Mariamman Temple in Veesanam village, Namakkal district, for the first time since the temple’s construction nearly a century ago. The breakthrough came after a swift and decisive intervention by the district administration.

The village, home to over 600 families, includes around 200 SC families belonging to communities such as Adi Dravidar, Arunthathiyar, and Devendrakula Velalar. The remaining 400 families are from Backward Class (BC) and Most Backward Class (MBC) communities, predominantly the Kongu Vellalar community.

Devendrakula Vellalars enter temple for first time since 1930 construction

The turning point occurred on Monday when M. Alexander (32), a carpenter and member of the Devendrakula Velalar community, submitted a petition to Namakkal Collector Dr. S. Uma, alleging that SC residents were not allowed to enter the temple or participate in key rituals, such as walking on fire during festivals. Responding promptly, the collector initiated a peace committee meeting.

On Tuesday, Namakkal RDO Shanthi held discussions with representatives of both the petitioning communities and the caste Hindu residents. Following the meeting, in a powerful moment of unity and resolution, SC community members, including Alexander, were allowed to enter the temple at around 3:30 PM.

“This is nothing short of a dream come true,” said Alexander, speaking to The New Indian Express. “Despite the temple being under the HR&CE department for decades, we were always excluded.”

While the temple has a long history tied to the Kongu Vellalar community, many of whom contributed to its development over the years, the community expressed openness to the peaceful resolution. R. Palanisamy (60), a local elder from the Kongu Vellalar group, acknowledged their ancestral ties to the temple but welcomed the district’s steps toward social cohesion.

Namakkal Superintendent of Police S. Rajesh Kannan praised the swift resolution, highlighting that the administration managed to solve a long-standing issue in just a day. With adequate police presence in the village to ensure peace, the event marks a significant milestone in breaking caste barriers and fostering equality.

The temple, believed to have been built around 1930, has now become a symbol of social progress and communal reconciliation in Tamil Nadu.