The Kerala High Court has prohibited photography and videography at the sacred Pathinettampadi and Thirumuttam of the Sabarimala temple to protect their sanctity. This decision arose after a controversial photoshoot involving police personnel. The Court also addressed unusual practices at the Malikappuram temple, urging management to educate pilgrims to preserve traditional customs and scheduled a follow-up hearing for November 29.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court has ruled against allowing photography and videography on the Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) and the Thirumuttam at the Sabarimala temple, emphasizing the sanctity of these spaces. The Court issued the directive in response to a recent controversy sparked by a photoshoot involving police personnel at the temple, which caught public attention and led to judicial scrutiny.
A Bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S addressed the matter, stating:
“Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) and Thirumuttam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam are not places where photography or videography can be permitted by pilgrims, vloggers, etc.”
The Court clarified that such activities could disrupt the spiritual and cultural sanctity of the temple. While the Chief Police Co-ordinator at Sabarimala assured action against the involved police personnel, the Court refrained from delving into the specifics, leaving it to the Co-ordinator’s discretion.
This ruling was part of a suo motu case initiated by the Court to address emerging issues during the Mandala Makaravilakku festival season, a period of heightened pilgrim activity at Sabarimala. The Court monitors the situation daily to ensure smooth temple management and adherence to traditions.
The Bench also took note of unusual practices emerging at the Malikappuram temple, situated within the Sabarimala complex. Pilgrims have reportedly been engaging in activities like throwing clothes on the temple roof, pouring turmeric powder on its walls, and rolling coconuts around the temple.
The Court clarified that these acts are not part of the temple’s customary practices. It directed the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, to issue advisories discouraging such behavior:
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“Since throwing clothes on the roof of Malikappuram Temple, pouring turmeric powder on the walls of that temple, and rolling coconut around that temple are not part of the customary practices… pilgrims should be requested to avoid such practices.”
The Court suggested disseminating this advisory through the Virtual-Q platform, as well as through print and visual media, to educate pilgrims about preserving the temple’s traditions.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for November 29, continuing its efforts to maintain order and respect for the sacred traditions during the festival season.
This ruling underscores the balance between tradition and modern influences at one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. By prohibiting photography and videography on the 18 steps and addressing the deviations in customary practices, the Kerala High Court has reinforced the sanctity of Sabarimala temple and its associated rituals.
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