In the wake of the debate over entry of non-Hindus in temples and purification ritual held in Guruvayur temple, a former Sabarimala tantri(high priest) suggested to facilitate entry for all who are ready to strictly abide by temple traditions.

"There is nothing wrong in allowing non-Hindus in temples, including the famous Lord Krishna temple in Guruvayur, if the faithfuls are willing to strictly follow the temple traditions and the stand taken by State Devaswom minister G Sudhakaran(in this regard) should be hailed", former chief priest of Sabarimala temple Keshavan Bhattathiripad told a press conference here.

Sudhakaran had earlier requested Guruvayur temple authorities to facilitate the entry of singer K J Yesudas to the temple, who is a Christian.

Barring temple entry to non-Hindu devotees should be construed as "contempt on Hindu religion" and anyone who is ready to follow the temple traditions should be allowed to be worshipped, Bhattathiripad said.

Former Sabarimala tantri's remarks comes at a time when Hindu religious leaders, including tantris, are holding a meeting to deliberate on the row over the purification rites conducted at the Guruvayur temple after the visit of Union minister Vayalar Ravi's son, citing the reason that Ravi's wife is a Christian by birth.

"If several kinds of animals are allowed inside a temple how the entry of a devotee could spoil the sanctity of a place of worship and the public in general should analyse the issue on such a perspective", he said.

The ongoing initiative taken by the 'Yoga Kshema Sabha', an organisation of Namboodiris (Brahmins), to study the issue is a welcome step and should instill inspiration among people to bring about reformation in the prevailing system in tune with changing times, he said.

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