Ban on filming in the Nadapandal area of Guruvayur Temple

Kerala High Court’s decision

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – “A temple is not a place for cutting cakes,” stated the Kerala High Court, emphasising that every devotee has the right to worship at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple following the temple’s traditions and customs. The court has now imposed a ban on filming in the Nadapandal area of the temple, except for weddings and specific religious ceremonies.

This decision came after a video circulated on social media showing a woman celebrating her birthday by cutting a cake in the Nadapandal area and filming the event. The incident sparked outrage among people, who demanded action, arguing that such acts go against the sanctity of the temple.

The Nadapandal is a temporary structure built in front of the temple to provide shelter to devotees from heat and rain.

The court also mentioned that filming inside the temple, especially near the eastern ‘Deepasthambham’ (lamp post), would not be permitted. The Guruvayur Devaswom Board’s security department and management committee are responsible for ensuring that no activities take place in the Nadapandal that would disturb devotees, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. If necessary, the Devaswom administrators can seek police assistance, and the police will cooperate as needed.

Additionally, the court clarified that the Guruvayur Devaswom Board is obligated to provide facilities to ensure that devotees can offer proper worship to Shri Guruvayurappan at the temple.