Chennai: A priest in Kerala conducted "purification" rituals at a Hindu temple after a cabinet minister visited with his family because the minister's wife is not Hindu.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, himself a Hindu, said on Sunday he visited the temple on Friday for a religious ceremony for his grandson.
On Saturday, the chief priest ordered "purification" ceremonies such as sprinkling of holy water, as the minister's wife is a Christian.
Though she was not present at the function, he said his son and grandson were seen as her non-Hindu progeny.
Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple in Kerala, as is the case with some Hindu temples in India where age-old religious diktat is followed.
The temple administrators confirmed the purification had taken place. The priest was not available for comment. "What the tantri (priest) has done is not at all warranted," Ravi said.
"I feel very sad and it is humiliating to me and my family. If this is allowed, my entire generation will be barred entry into the temple." The minister's son Ravi Krishna, who was with him during the visit, said he was looking at what could be done to stop the practice. "I'm talking to various people and taking their advice on what should be done. I welcome a public debate on this issue."
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