Saralnama
The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple in Kerala conducted a six-day purification ritual starting August 26, 2025, following a social media video by influencer Jasmin Jaffer, who was seen washing her feet in the temple's sacred pond. The Guruvayur Devaswom declared the pond impure and restricted darshan from 5 am to noon during the rituals, which include 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis. The temple administration filed a formal complaint with police, citing violation of religious norms and a Kerala High Court order banning photography and videography in restricted temple areas. Jasmin Jaffer deleted the video and issued an apology, stating she was unaware of the prohibitions. The temple pond, known as Rudra Theertham, is a highly sacred site where the deity is traditionally bathed during festivals. Devotees were asked to cooperate with the temporary restrictions while the purification rites were performed under the direction of the temple's chief priest. (Updated 26 Aug 2025, 16:59 IST; source: link)