Overview
The Guruvayur Shri Krishna temple in Thrissur, Kerala, will conduct purification rituals after a non-Hindu social media influencer filmed a reel washing her feet at the temple pond, violating temple customs. Authorities have since implemented temporary restrictions and initiated legal and procedural responses.
Incident Summary
- Jasmin Jaffer, a non-Hindu influencer and ex-Bigg Boss contestant, filmed and posted a reel washing her feet at the temple pond.
- The incident occurred six days prior to the temple's response and was posted on social media.
- The temple's pond is traditionally out of bounds for non-Hindus.
Temple Response and Rituals
- Purification rituals are scheduled at the pond on Tuesday, restricting darshan from 5 am until noon.
- The rituals will repeat six days of pujas, including 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis.
- Devotees will only be allowed entry to the nalambalam (inner sanctum area) after the rituals are completed in the afternoon.
- Temple authorities have appealed to devotees for cooperation during restricted access.
Legal and Administrative Actions
- The Guruvayur Devaswom (temple authority) lodged a complaint with the Guruvayur Temple Police.
- Police informed the court and will register a case as per the court's directive.
- Jasmin Jaffer deleted the reel and issued a public apology, stating she was unaware of the restriction.
Context and Precedent
- Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the Guruvayur temple as a matter of established tradition.
- In a previous incident, a Congress leader filed a complaint against BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar for allegedly filming reels within temple premises, citing violation of a High Court order.
Action Items
- Tuesday – Temple Authorities: Complete purification rituals and restore normal access to devotees after rituals are finished.
- TBD – Police: Register a case regarding the recent violation as directed by the court.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Purification rituals and restricted darshan are set for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 5 am to noon.