Purification Ritual at Guruvayur Temple After Social Media Controversy
Guruvayur: A purification ritual (punyaham) will be conducted at the Guruvayur temple pond on Tuesday in response to a controversy sparked by an Instagram reel posted by social media influencer and former Bigg Boss contestant Jasmine Jaffar.
Temple authorities confirmed that six days’ worth of rituals and processions will be repeated, including 18 pujas and 18 sreevelis beginning Tuesday morning. Devotees have been informed that darshan will remain restricted until noon tomorrow.
The Guruvayur Devaswom Board filed a police complaint last Friday, stating that Jasmine had recorded videos in restricted zones, including the temple pond and nadappura (outer courtyard), in violation of High Court directives. In the reel, she was seen washing her feet in the temple pond, which is regarded as sacred and used for key rituals such as Aarattu—the ceremonial bathing of the deity.
Following widespread criticism, Jasmine removed the video from her social media platforms and issued a public apology.