A final journey together: Kerala temple’s noble act gives everyone a resting place

A graveyard and crematorium owned by a temple in Kerala’s Idukki district is offering a final resting place for people regardless of their faith, setting a shining example of communal harmony.

The public graveyard, owned by the Sree Periyattappan Mahadeva Temple at Cheruthoni, serves as a model for religious unity. The temple trust owns an 80-cent plot of land in Cheruthoni, which currently holds over 200 graves belonging to people from various religious communities. The temple operates under a public trust.

Temple trust chairman Parthasarathi says there are no religious barriers at the graveyard. “The graveyard, named Thilakashi Peedam, is situated near the Kurathi Hill of the Idukki reservoir. Years ago, the land was initially used by the local tribal community for their traditional rituals. The temple itself was established in Cheruthoni around 40 years ago. The temple committee opened the graveyard in 2009, and over the years, it has provided a final resting place for members of the Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Even migrant workers have been cremated here,” he says.

According to the temple authorities, people are free to bury or cremate their deceased loved ones according to their own religious beliefs. “Sree Mahadevan is the main deity of the temple. However, Chemban Karuvellyan Kolumban—the tribal mooppan (chief) who was instrumental in the construction of the Idukki dam—is also revered as a deity here. His traditional items, including his dreadlocks and walking stick, are preserved at the temple,” says Mr. Parthasarathi.

“When we understand the true essence of religion, we realise that all paths lead to god and everyone is equal before him. We are promoting this very message through our work. The temple has also arranged free funeral facilities for those who cannot afford the expenses,” he adds.

Temple trust member Lijo Sasidharan says the trust is now planning to install an electric crematorium. “This graveyard has even witnessed the peaceful coexistence of different Hindu sub-communities. Our goal is to ensure that everyone receives a decent final resting place. We often hear distressing news about people lacking space for cremations, even sometimes forcing families to cremate their loved ones within their own kitchen compounds. We aim to prevent such incidents in our society. We are offering these services to uphold humanity,” says Mr. Sasidharan.

According to the authorities, the temple trust owns nearly five acres of land, and the income generated from it is used to fund the temple’s various community activities.