Purification rituals at Guruvayur temple after non-Hindu influencer shoots reel in sacred pond

Purification rituals were performed at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala on Tuesday after a non-Hindu social media influencer and former Bigg Boss contestant Jasmin Jaffer allegedly filmed a video in the temple pond.

According to temple officials, Jasmin entered the temple pond six days ago and shot a reel while washing her feet, violating religious norms that prohibit non-Hindus from entering the temple premises. The temple pond is reserved for the priests before they enter the sanctum.

Following the incident, the temple authorities conducted a repetition of six days of pujas, involving 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple will open for the devotees after 5 pm today, officials said.

As per reports by India Today, the Devaswom has filed a complaint with the Guruvayur Temple Police against her for filming reels at the pond, citing violations of the pond’s sanctity and the High Court’s ruling that prohibits photography and videography in restricted areas of the temple.

After public outrage, Jasmin has deleted the reel and issued a public apology. She claimed she was unaware of the restrictions and expressed regret for unintentionally hurting religious sentiments.

The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is one of the most revered Hindu Temples in Guruvayur town in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan.