GURUVAYUR SATYAGRAHA (1931-32)

The Guruvayur Satyagraha was a memorable episode in the history of organised
agitations against untouchability.It was organised under the auspices of the Congress.The
Vatakara conference has decided to launch a campaign for eradication of untouchability on
an all Kerala basis.Guruvayur Temple became the venue of this Satyagraha.The
Satyagraha was aimed at opening the Guruvayur temple to all Hindus including the
Avarnas.The Satyagraha began on 1
st November, 1931 with the blessings of Gandhi.
Kelappan was the leader of the movement.The prominent leaders of the Satyagraha were
A.K. Gopalan, Mannath Padmanabhan and N.P. Damodaran.The uncompromising attitude
of the trustees of the temple.Viz. Zamorin led to the closure of the temple for a short
while, Guruvayur captured all India attention and the Zamorin was requested to concede
the demands of the Satyagrahis, but of no avail.
The Satyagraha entered a crucial stage when Kelappan began an indefinite fast unto
death in front of the temple on 21st September, 1932.It lingered on up to 2
nd October, 1932
when he was persuaded by Gandhiji to end up the fast and withdraw the movement.A high
light of the G. Satyagraha was the Guruvayur Referendum.A limited referendum was held
in the Ponnani Taluk to ascertain the views of the Hindus as to whether they favoured
temple entry for the Avarnas. The majority of the people approved the proposal for temple
entry.The Guruvayur Satyagraha failed to achieve its immediate objective, namely temple
entry for the Avarnas.However it created an atmosphere in favour of the eradication of
untouchability.Taking note of the sentiment in favour of temple entry. P. Subharayan gave
notice of a Bill on temple entry to be moved on the Madras Legislature.