Kerala Temple Purification Rituals: Guruvayoor devaswom to hold ‘purification ritual’ after vlogger Jasmin Jaffar shoots reels, washes feet in temple pond; police complaint filed | Thiruvananthapuram News

THRISSUR: Guruvayur devaswom has decided to conduct shudheekarana (purification) rituals on Tuesday following the reports that vlogger and former reality show contestant Jasmin Jaffar had washed her feet in the temple pond while taking reels. Devaswom administrator O B Arunkumar said the entire rituals conducted at the temple for all the days from Aug 20 will be done on Tuesday. The devaswom took the decision as per the advice of the temple tanthri. Jaffar had reportedly shot film reels from the temple pond on Aug 20 and had posted them on social media. The temple pond is a prohibited area for non-Hindus and the devaswom considered her action as a violation of the temple practices. The administrator had submitted a complaint to the police demanding action against the vlogger. He said there is a ban on taking videos in the areas close to the temple, except for marriage related rituals and functions. Also, the Kerala high court had prohibited production of reels near the temple premises.

Asked whether the devaswom will ask Jaffar to remit the expenses of the purification rituals, the administrator said the expenses would be taken from the devaswom funds initially. Subsequently, the devaswom will take steps in accordance with the law, he said. The devaswom has restricted the entry of the devotees to the temple on Tuesday in view of the purification rituals.