• Source:JND
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The Guruvayur Shri Krishna temple in Thrissur will conduct "purification rituals" at its pond on Tuesday after social media influencer and former Bigg Boss contestant Jasmin Jaffer, a non-Hindu, filmed a reel washing her feet there, in violation of temple customs.

According to an official, the purification and darshan at the temple will remain restricted from 5 am until noon on Tuesday. The rituals will involve a repeat of six days' pujas, including 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis, with devotees being allowed entry to the nalambalam only after the punyahakarma is completed in the afternoon.

Devaswom administrator O B Arunkumar stated that all rituals scheduled from August 20 onward will now be conducted on Tuesday. The decision comes on the advice of the temple tanthri, as Jaffar’s actions filming in the restricted temple pond and posting the videos on social media were considered a breach of temple customs. The pond is a prohibited area for non-Hindus, making the act a violation of established practices.

JASMIN JAFAR

The incident took place six days ago when Jaffer posted the video on social media. Following objections, the Guruvayur Devaswom lodged a complaint with the Guruvayur Temple Police, as the pond is out of bounds for non-Hindus. Police informed the court that a case would be registered as per the court's directive.

A police complaint has been filed against Jaffar for flouting temple norms. “There is a ban on taking videos in areas close to the temple, except for marriage-related rituals and sanctioned functions,” Arunkumar said. He also mentioned that the Kerala High Court has prohibited the production of reels near the temple premises.

Regarding the expenses for the purification rituals, Arunkumar said they would initially be covered by devaswom funds, with legal steps to recover the cost from Jaffar to follow later. To facilitate the rituals, devotees entry into the temple will be restricted on Tuesday.

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The devaswom had formally lodged a complaint with the Guruvayur Temple Police, citing the breach of temple practices and the High Court’s restrictions on filming. The police have confirmed that a case will be registered in accordance with the court’s directive.

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Vlogger Issues Apology

In response to the backlash, Jasmin Jaffar issued an apology, “To those who love me and to everyone else, I understand that a video I made caused distress. It was never my intention to hurt anyone or create controversy. I sincerely apologise for the mistake that happened out of ignorance.”