Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a significant ruling prohibiting vloggers from filming within the Nadapanthal (outer courtyard) of the renowned Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur. This decision came in response to concerns raised by devotees regarding inappropriate videography by non-Hindus, including an incident involving a Muslim woman entering the temple premises. The Court emphasized that while videography for marriage functions and religious ceremonies would be permitted, vlogging and filming for other purposes would be strictly prohibited within the temple’s sacred spaces.
The Court also cited the temple’s status as a Special Security Zone, as designated under the Kerala Police Act, 2011. Given the temple’s security-sensitive environment, the ruling prohibits videography, particularly near the eastern ‘Deepastambham,’ which is an integral part of the temple. The Court directed the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and its security personnel to ensure that no disturbances, including vlogging or unauthorized filming, affect the peace and sanctity of the temple.
The ruling stemmed from a petition filed by devotees who raised concerns over a woman who was filmed cutting a cake on her birthday in the Nadapanthal, causing a disturbance. The Court underscored that it is the responsibility of the temple’s managing committee to protect the religious customs and ensure that the temple’s sacred rites and ceremonies are performed without disruptions. This decision underscores the need for the temple administration to uphold the sanctity of the space while managing it with the highest levels of care and respect for devotees.
