Temple Remains Discovered on Church Land in Kerala; Hindu Rituals Permitted

GG News Bureau
Kottayam, 14th Feb. The discovery of temple remains, including a Shiva Lingam, on land owned by the Catholic diocese of Pala has sparked significant interest among local Hindu organizations. The church has granted permission for Devaprasnam, an astrological ritual performed to interpret divine will, at the site.

The remnants surfaced last week when an earthmover was used to plow 1.8 acres of land for tapioca cultivation near Vellappadu, about 1 km from Sri Vanadurga Bhagavathi Temple. Temple officials and local residents claim the site was once home to a temple believed to have existed around 200 years ago. They allege that the temple foundation remained a place of worship for devotees until it was abandoned nearly a century ago.

Following discussions, representatives from the diocese and temple authorities agreed to conduct Devaprasnam to determine the next course of action. The church has also allowed Hindu devotees to offer prayers at the site.

The remains are believed to belong to the Poothappadi Illam, a Brahmin family that once managed the temple. Over time, neglect reportedly led to the temple’s disappearance. The discovery has generated interest among Hindu groups, with temple officials initiating the astrological ritual to uncover the site’s historical and religious significance.