Nuptial knot brings trouble for head priest

Tirur, Kerala, Aug 11 (UNI) A head priest of a temple near here lost his job for going in for an inter-caste marriage.

Melsanthi Viswamithran Namboodiri was not only divested of his job, but also beaten up allegedly by authorities of Lord Shiva Temple at Venniyur in Malappuram district for tying nuptial knot with Pushavalli from Ezhava community.

Undergoing treatment at the Tirur government Hospital, Viswamithran said the temple management had already appointed another Melsanthi in his post, rendering him jobless.

The priest said he had been specially invited by the temple authorities to take up the job a year back.

''My only crime was opting for marriage outside the community.

That also after roaming in the 'marriage market' more than ten years looking for a bride matching my horoscope,'' Vishwamithran said.

''As many as 1000 horoscopes were verified for a suitable match but nothing worked,'' Vishwamithran hailing from Kuthuparamba in Kannur district said.

Pushavalli readily accepted his proposal without going through any formalities and the marriage was solemnised at Sree Narayana Mutt at Tellicherry in the same district eight months ago, he said.

''Since then we were being victimised by the community and my family,'' he bemoaned.

Vishwamithran said he had brought to the notice of the temple authorities about the Supreme Court order allowing even non-brahmins to work as priests, ''but they are adamant on their decision.'' UNI PCH AJ KR BS1346