Bhajan troupe sings Christian devotional song in Kerala temple, faces backlash

A controversy has erupted in Kerala's Kottayam after a popular bhajan group performed a Christian devotional song during a temple festival, triggering criticism from Hindu organisations and leaders.

The bhajan troupe 'Nandagovindam' was performing at the Sri Mahavishnu temple when its lead singer Naveen Mohan addressed the gathering, speaking about inter-community goodwill and the support extended by a local church for the event, including parking and logistical arrangements.

Following his remarks, the group went on to sing the Christian devotional song "Ee Paradevanaho..." as a gesture of gratitude.

Naveen Mohan said the performance was rooted in personal experience of communal coexistence. He noted that he had studied in a church-run school and recalled instances of cooperation between communities during religious events. "The church offered parking and other facilities to conduct this smoothly. When lights are lit for temple festivals, the church also lights a lamp," he said, adding that he saw the song as a gesture of gratitude towards those who supported the programme.

However, the act drew sharp criticism from sections of Hindu outfits and leaders, who questioned the appropriateness of performing a Christian song in a temple setting. Some accused the troupe of mixing religious traditions in a space they argued should remain strictly devotional.

Hindu leader KP Sasikala, in a Facebook post, wrote: "No matter how strong the branch you are sitting on, if you cut it yourself, it will break. Anyhow, congratulations. Chicken masala is good but don't put it in payasam".

Responding to the backlash, Nandagovindam shared a video of the performance on Instagram, stating that the act was not intended to offend any community. "We didn't cross a line. We just didn't see one. This is our land where Bhakti flows beyond names," the group said.

In an official statement, the troupe clarified that their participation was part of a temple reconstruction initiative supported by multiple groups. They said they performed purely in devotion and without remuneration, and only sang the Christian song as a "small gesture of gratitude" with permission from organisers and the audience.

The group added that their intention was not to hurt any religious sentiments and expressed regret if it had caused discomfort.

Meanwhile, the temple committee has also defended the performance, stating that people from different faiths regularly cooperate in temple-related activities and that the singing of a Christian song did not amount to any wrongdoing.

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