Judge Who Hanged Himself After Error Becomes Deity in Kerala

• Kerala has a unique temple where an 18th-century judge, Judgiyammavan (Judge Uncle), is worshipped as a deity.
• Judge Govinda Pillai mistakenly sentenced his innocent nephew to death during the reign of King Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.
• Overwhelmed by guilt, Judge Pillai ordered his own execution, including having his legs cut off and being publicly hanged.
• After his death, his spirit was enshrined in the Cheruvalli Devi Temple, where devotees seek help with legal matters.
• The temple, located on the Punalur-Muvattupuzha Highway, opens for about 45 minutes daily for worship.

Why It Matters: A judge's tragic self-punishment for a wrong verdict led to his unique worship as a deity.