Islamisation of Thali Siva Temple complex; people intensifies protests against changing names of temple area

Kozhikode: Protests are intensifying against the move to destroy the Thali Temple complex in the heart of Kozhikode city. People have strongly opposed the move to change the name of Thali Kandamkulam Jubilee Hall, which was constructed to honor the freedom fighters during the 50th year of independence. The Jubilee Hall is part of the Thali Temple complex.

Rajesh Nadappuram, who is the coordinator of Sanatana Dharma Padashala inaugurated the mantra chanting program organized by the Thali-Chalapuram Paithrika Samrakshana Vedi or the Thali heritage preservation committee. The chairman, KP Gurudas, presided over the meeting. R Ramachandran and KV Raghavan spoke at the program.

Rajesh Nadappuram demanded that a name that honors every freedom fighter must be given to Thali Kandakulam Jubilee Hall. He warned that protests will be intensified in the coming days and the move by those in power to insult the freedom fighters will be undermined.

Hundreds of people took part in the program including scores of women. A huge police force was deployed in front of the Jubilee hall in view of the mantra chanting program. People were not allowed to enter the Jubilee hall that was blocked with barricades.

The government had changed the name of the Golden Jubilee Hall last month. The Hall has been renamed as Muhammad Abdurahman Sahib Memorial Hall.

This hall was constructed with the help of the central government in 1997. The Kozhikode Corporation has given Islamic names to the Jubilee hall and park, which comes under the Thali Shiva temple area.

The name of the Thali Shiva Temple area has been changed even in Google Maps. When searched on Google Maps, an Islamic name Markasudawa comes up at the area of temple.

Following this renaming, the heritage preservation committee began strong protests.

Thali Siva temple is one of the oldest temple in Kozhikode. The Lingam is believed to have been installed by Lord Parasuram. The present temple was constructed by the erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode, the Zamorins, in 14th century.

Kozhikode Corporation is accused of changing the names of the temple area in a bid widely seen as Islamization of the area.