Only Ammannoor family can perform at Koodalmanikyam Koothambalam: Kerala HC

KOCHI: In a significant judgment, the high court has held that only members of the Ammannoor family can perform 'Koothu' and 'Koodiyattam' at the Koothambalam at Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda.
The bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P G Ajith Kumar issued the directive in a petition by Ammannoor Parameswaran Chakyar and others, challenging the devaswom managing committee's decision to allow other Hindu artists to perform Koothu and Koodiyattam at the temple's Koothambalam.The Bench also set aside the impugned decision.
However, the bench did not interfere with the committee's decision to allow worshippers to enter the Koothambalam to view the performance. The bench directed that while allowing viewers inside the Koothambalam, no religious or customary rites followed in the temple and the Koothambalam should be violated.
The petitioners argued that from time immemorial, only Ammannoor family members could perform at the temple's Koothambalam and they should undergo an ordination ceremony before starting the performance. Since this is part of the religious, spiritual, ritualistic, and ceremonial worship of the deity, the devaswom committee could not alter this customary right.
The committee countered that the decision was to allow other Hindu artists to perform without affecting the rights of the Ammannoor family and that, as per the customary right, the family can perform in the Koothambalam during the 41-day festival.
The state govt supported the committee, stating that currently the Ammannoor family members perform only for a few days in a year leaving the Koothambalam idle for the remaining period.
Koothambalam, a heritage structure built of wood, was recently repaired and restored with central govt aid. It has to be used regularly use to keep away wood-corroding worms and vermin. Currently, performances are held without an audience, with the public allowed to view it only through slits on the sides. Unless the audience is permitted inside, the purpose of such performances cannot be served, the committee argued.
The temple tantris opposed the amendment of the rituals and stated that, as it was a religious and ritualistic ceremony, a decision regarding it could only be taken by them. They also stated that they were not consulted before the decision on Feb 19, 2022. Although the committee had a member from the tantris, he expired on June 25, 2022, they added.
The bench then concluded that the tantris' opinion regarding all religious, spiritual, ritual, and ceremonial matters concerning the temple is final, subject to the provision that their decision should not violate any law in force. The devaswom committee cannot deviate from the religious practices without the tantris' consent.