A petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court seeking restrictions on non-Hindus entering Hindu temples. The plea raises concerns following the filming of the Malayalam movie Vishesham, which reportedly involved non-Hindu crew members within the sacred compound of the Poornathrayeesa temple. The petitioners argue that such entries disrupt the sanctity of Hindu religious spaces and are requesting formal limitations on access to temple premises by those of other faiths.
Kerala: A petition submitted to the Kerala High Court, seeking to “regulate the entry of non-Hindus into temples administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB)” .
The petition, brought by two devotees of Lord Poornathrayeesa, expresses concern over “the use of the Tripunithura Poornathrayeesa Temple’s premises for video and film shooting,” with specific allegations that the Malayalam film Vishesham was “partially shot within the temple premises” and included “non-Hindu crew members allegedly entering the sacred compound.”
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In addition, the petitioners claim that, despite existing restrictions, “numerous films have been shot on the premises of other temples, including the Guruvayur Temple.”
The petitioners assert that “such activities disturb the dignity and religious atmosphere of the temples” and could “potentially offend devotees.”
They argue that allowing commercial filming on temple premises, particularly for content “unrelated to the temple or its deity,” breaches religious protocols outlined in the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Rules, 1965.
Additionally, the petition raises concerns regarding the CDB’s temple management, alleging that “people under the influence of alcohol have been allowed entry into the temple.”
As a result, they are seeking “directives to restrict entry into CDB-administered temples for those not following Hinduism,” as well as orders “to prevent filming and the entry of intoxicated individuals into temple premises.”
In a prior hearing, CDB’s standing counsel stated that,
“The board has already decided to regulate temple activities in accordance with Rule 8 and intends to submit a detailed counter affidavit.”
This filing is anticipated by November 25, the date of the next scheduled hearing.
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The petitioners are represented by advocates T. Sanjay, Sunil Kumar G., and Ardh Krishna, while standing counsel K.P. Sudheer represents the Cochin Devaswom Board.
The petition highlights broader concerns that, despite restrictions, other temples, including the Guruvayur Temple, have also been utilized for commercial filming. The petitioners contend that commercial filming within temple premises, particularly for content unrelated to temple traditions or deities, disturbs the spiritual atmosphere of these places of worship.
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