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- It started in the princely state of Travancore (now in Kerala), and marked a pivotal moment in temple entry movements across India.
- It was against the exclusion of "lower caste" Hindus from accessing the Vaikom Mahadeva temple and its surrounding roads.
- Background:
- The issue was first highlighted by Ezhava leader T.K. Madhavan in a 1917 editorial in his paper, Deshabhimani.
- In the 1923 Indian National Congress session in Kakinada, Kerala Provincial Congress Committee passed a resolution to prioritize the anti-untouchability cause.
- Course of Satyagraha:
- The movement advocated non-violent protests to ensure equal access to public spaces for all castes.
- Groups of three Satyagrahis, representing different communities (Nair, Ezhava, and Pulaya), would peacefully approach the restricted areas.
- The first group was led by Kesava Menon.
- Key leaders: T.K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan (also known as Kerala Gandhi), K.P. Kesava Menon, and George Joseph.
- Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, and E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) visited Vaikom to express their support.
- Impact:
- It persisted for 603 days, fostering unity across caste lines.
- Three of the four roads encircling the temples were opened to all in 1925.
- In 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore issued a Temple Entry Proclamation, granting access to marginalized castes.
Other temple entry movements
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