In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has restricted videography within the premises of the renowned Guruvayoor temple. The order comes in response to a petition following the controversial cake-cutting celebration by Jesna Salim, a Muslim woman who had gained attention for painting pictures of Lord Krishna. The ruling was issued by the Dewaswom Bench, led by Justice Anil K Narendran.
The court emphasised that the sacred temple premises and its surrounding areas are not appropriate venues for activities such as cake-cutting celebrations. Specifically addressing the incident involving Jesna, the Bench made it clear that videography within the temple premises should only be allowed for marriage functions and religious ceremonies. All other forms of videography, including those conducted by vloggers or during celebrity visits, are now strictly prohibited.
The court further noted that certain individuals have been capturing images of the inner temple from vantage points like the lamp post located near the entrance. The Bench has now banned the recording or sharing of such footage, stating that such activities disturb the sanctity of the temple and the devotion of its visitors.
In its ruling, the court directed the Guruvayoor Dewaswom Board, which manages the temple, to enforce these restrictions strictly. The board has been advised to seek assistance from the police if necessary to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.
This order holds special significance in light of Jesna Salim’s controversial celebration of Janmashtami, the birthday of Bhagwan Krishna. Jesna had cut a birthday cake at the temple at 12:09 a.m. on August 26, 2024, while shouting “Happy Birthday, Kanna” (a reference to Lord Krishna). The incident sparked outrage among many Hindus across the state for several reasons.
Firstly, non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the premises of the Guruvayoor temple, a rule clearly displayed on a board at the temple entrance. Jesna, being a non-Hindu, was criticised for violating this guideline. Additionally, there were concerns about whether the cake used in the celebration was non-vegetarian, as non-vegetarian items are strictly prohibited in the temple complex. The cake-cutting ceremony itself was also condemned, as it is not a traditional Hindu or temple practice.
According to temple customs, the presence of non-vegetarian items in the temple complex is considered a violation of its sanctity, necessitating a purification ritual called shudhi. It remains unclear whether the shudhi ceremony was performed following Jesna’s celebration.
Adding to the controversy, Jesna had shared pictures of the cake-cutting event on social media, further fueling public outrage.
With the High Court’s recent ruling, the Guruvayoor temple management is expected to take strict measures to maintain the sanctity of the temple premises and prevent future disruptions.
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