8216;Purification8217; in temple after foreigner8217;s entry

According to temple sources, the priest insisted on the ritual despite the foreigner8217;s claim that he had embraced Hinduism and changed his name to Pranavahi.

Though he supported his claim by showing a certificate issued by the Thiruvananthapuram branch of the Arya Samajam, the priests held that as per rules they would accept only the certificate from the Kozhikode branch of Arya Samajam in such cases.

The ban on entry of non-Hindus to major temples in Kerala continues to trigger controversy. Two days ago, top playback singer K J Yesudas, a Christian, had alleged that he was 8216;insulted8217; by authorities of Kadampuzha Devi temple in Kerala who refused him entry on religious grounds after inviting him.

The singer, who has rendered hundreds of devotional songs on Lord Krishna, the presiding deity of Guruvayur, has also been barred from entering the temple.