Guruvayur temple to perform purification ritual after social media row
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Thrissur: The Guruvayur Devaswom has announced that a punyaham (purification ritual) will be conducted at the temple pond following a controversy triggered by a social media influencer’s video shoot.
The incident involved Bigg Boss fame Jasmine Jaffer, a non-Hindu participant, who was seen entering the sacred pond to film a reel for Instagram. Temple authorities said the decision for the purification ritual came after concerns were raised over religious sentiments being hurt.
The six-day ritual will include 18 poojas and 18 sheevelis, starting Tuesday morning. The temple management also announced that restrictions on darshan would be imposed during this period.
The temple pond, where Lord Krishna is traditionally bathed as part of temple customs, is considered highly sacred. Filming or photography in the pond is strictly prohibited, and non-Hindus are not permitted to enter it.
The Devaswom administrator lodged a formal complaint, stating that Jaffer’s actions violated temple rules, hurt religious sentiments, and had the potential to incite unrest. The video, posted on Jaffer’s Instagram account, quickly went viral and sparked widespread criticism from devotees and cultural organisations.
Following the backlash, Jaffer issued a public apology, admitting that she was unaware of the restrictions. “I never intended to hurt anyone or create trouble. Out of ignorance, I made a mistake, and I sincerely apologise to those who were offended,” she said.
The Guruvayur temple management reiterated that the sanctity of temple premises must be preserved at all times, and any violations will be dealt with firmly. The incident has also reignited debates on the responsible use of social media in places of worship.
The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, often called the "Dwarka of the South," is one of Kerala’s most revered pilgrimage centres. Dedicated to Lord Krishna in the form of the divine child, the temple attracts millions of devotees annually. Its rituals, strict traditions, and famed offerings like annaprasam and tulabharam make it unique, while the temple pond and daily sheeveli processions enhance its spiritual aura.
The temple’s cultural significance extends deeply into Kerala’s history and art. Its popularity is reflected in the waiting period for certain pujas, which can stretch from months to years, demonstrating the devotion of lakhs of pilgrims.
With IANS inputs
