A video by fashion influencer Jasmine Jaffar at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, has triggered a controversy. In the video, she was seen washing her feet in the temple pond, which she then shared on social media. This act received criticism from many people, and the temple administration expressed disapproval.
The temple administration lodged a police complaint against Jasmine. The Guruvayur Devaswom asserted that Jasmine, a former Big Boss Malayalam Season 6 participant and social media influencer, had violated temple traditions, thereby contaminating the pond. In response to the growing controversy, Jasmine issued an apology and removed the video from her social media platforms.
OB Arun Kumar, the Devaswom administrator, stated that the pond is a sacred space where ceremonies such as Aarattu are performed. The complaint by the Devaswom claimed the video was filmed at a location where video recording is prohibited by the High Court. Consequently, temple officials decided to purify the temple and restricted darshan from 5 am to 12 pm. Entry for devotees will be permitted after the purification rituals.
The officials stated that the rituals would be repeated for six days, which will involve 18 poojas and 18 unique styles. The public was requested to cooperate with the temporary restrictions. Jasmine created the video six days previously, but subsequently removed it and apologized, claiming she was unaware of the existing restrictions.