Nandagovindam Bhajans, a popular devotional bhajan band, found itself in the centre of a controversy this week after certain Sangh Parivar organisations objected to their rendition of a Christian devotional song at an event organised by the Vembinkulangara Sree Mahavishnu temple in Kottayam recently.

A video of the group singing Ee Paradevanaho, a Christian devotional song, at the event went viral, eliciting a wide range of reactions. While many hailed it as the latest example of Kerala’s syncretic culture, quite a few opposed the idea of singing a Christian devotional song at a temple event. Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala was among those who criticised the group, warning it not to “cut the branch on which you are sitting.” “Chicken Masala is good, but don’t add it to Payasam,” she said.

The group clarified in a statement on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) night that it has always stood for devotion, unity and the spirit of people coming together through music. “We believe music can express gratitude, respect and connection. That was the only thought behind that moment. Our intention was never to hurt or disrespect anyone’s beliefs or sentiments,” said the statement.

Unnikrishnan, manager of Nandagovindam Bhajans, told The Hindu that the temple committee too was in support of inclusion of a Christian devotional song as part of the programme as an expression of gratitude to the authorities of a nearby church and believers who also cooperate with the temple festivities.

“The church had also helped in the temple reconstruction efforts. Many of them had taken part in the programme,” said Mr. Unnikrishnan.

In the video that went viral, Naveen, the singer, talks at length about the context for singing the Christian devotional song.

“I completed my schooling at the Holy Family School run by the church. The parking facilities for this event were arranged in the church grounds here. During the temple festivities, lamps in the church are also lit. That is the spirit of this land. In these times, some look at religious harmony as a problematic thing. We have lived in harmony even when we did not know anything about such ideas,” he said.

Temple committee’s statement

The temple committee too issued a statement saying that it did not find anything wrong in such a song being sung at the event.

“Nandagovindam Bhajans performed for free at this event organised as part of the temple reconstruction. One thing that needs to be said in particular is that the programme was not held inside the temple walls. As there was no space inside, the event was arranged outside. All sections of the population, regardless of their religion, cooperated to organise this programme here. No one should attempt to destroy the existing harmony in our land by stirring up controversies,” said the statement.