Temples in Kerala practice strict rituals and the boards more often than not do not allow people from other faiths to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Under these circumstances, Malayalee beauty Amala Paul got a huge shock in a temple in Kerala. She was stopped from entering the temple though she was allowed to have the darshan of the deity.
Amala Paul visited Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple during the 12-day festival of Goddess Parvati called the ‘Nadathurappu' which began on 16 January. However, temple authorities denied her permission as she s a Christian. Amala Paul alleging discrimination wrote in the visitors' book of the temple saying "It is sad and disappointing that religious discrimination still exists in 2023. I couldn't go near the Goddess but could feel the spirit from a distance. I hope there will be a change in religious discrimination soon. The time will come and we all will be treated equally and not on the basis of religion,"
Prasoon Kumar, Temple Trust secretary said "It is not said that believers of other religions do not reach the temple. But no one knows that. But when a celebrity comes, it becomes controversial. Intervening in understanding this. According to current customs, there is a bar to admit a non-believer. This was told to Amala Paul."