The temple thanthri (the traditional high priest) on Sunday ordered 'punyaham' to be performed after it was found that the British national had worshipped in the shrine, where 'non-Hindus' are barred.

According to temple sources, the priest insisted on the ritual despite the foreigner's claim that he had embraced Hinduism and changed his name to Pranavahi.

Though he supported his claim by showing a certificate issued by the Thiruvananthapuram branch of the Arya Samajam, the priests held that as per rules they would accept only the certificate from the Kozhikode branch of Arya Samajam in such cases.

The ban on entry of non-Hindus to major temples in Kerala continues to trigger controversy. Two days ago, top playback singer K J Yesudas, a Christian, had alleged that he was 'insulted' by authorities of Kadampuzha Devi temple in Kerala who refused him entry on religious grounds after inviting him.