Vapuran Replaces Vavar in Erumeli: Temple Consecration Done Despite Controversy
The consecration ceremonies were held at the property of a private individual near the Vavar mosque (Ninar Juma Masjid).
In Erumeli, Hindu organizations are advancing with the construction of a Vapuran Swami Temple on private land near the Vavar Mosque. The consecration rituals took place on the same site where the Kerala High Court had previously prohibited construction. Prominent figures, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) state president Viji Thampi, participated in the ceremony. Hindu organizations had earlier declared their public support for the temple project and their determination to move forward.
Although the VHP does not own the land or directly initiate the temple construction, VHP leader Anil Vilayil told media. He noted that VHP members are cooperating in the initiative and affirmed that the Vapuran Temple will be established. Vilayil also stated that the temple’s construction would not reduce the importance of the Vavar Mosque. Meanwhile, R.V. Babu of Hindu Aikya Vedi clarified that the organization has no direct role in the construction but supports it ideologically.
The Kerala High Court’s Devaswom Bench had issued an order stopping the Vapuran Swami Temple’s construction, citing non-compliance with the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act due to insufficient building permits, as reported by the Erumeli Panchayat. Despite the court’s interim order, Hindu organizations proceeded with the consecration ceremonies, which were set to begin on Monday.