'Video recording at temple premises, devotees denied darshan': will conduct an investigation, says Guruvayur Devaswom chairman

THRISSUR: Guruvayur Devaswom Board chairman A V Gopinath has responded to the controversy surrounding the visit of Chief Minister V D Satheesan and ministers to the Guruvayur Temple on Sunday. The visit sparked controversy as VIP darshan is not allowed on holidays under a High Court order, yet ministers were given darshan at the temple.

Reacting to the issue, Gopinath said it does not appear that the Chief Minister or ministers violated any rules. He stated that, except for Ramesh Chennithala, no other ministers had informed the temple authorities in advance about their visit.

“We have come to know that many devotees were unable to offer prayers because of the VIP visit. We will investigate what exactly happened. If the Chief Minister came with a neyvilakku offering, he could be allowed darshan according to temple customs. We will check whether that was the case. We will also examine whether there was any lapse on the part of officials. There are also reports that several online channels recorded reels featuring the Chief Minister,” Gopinath said.

The Chief Minister and ministers visited the temple to attend the wedding of Minister Anil Kumar's son. Complaints were raised that many devotees were unable to enter the temple due to the VIP darshan arrangements. BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan and others had filed complaints over the incident. VIP darshan is not permitted at the temple on Sundays between 6 am and 12 noon.

Photography and videography are also banned around the temple premises, including near the Melpathur Auditorium. However, Gopalakrishnan’s complaint alleges that VIPs, including Hibi Eden, recorded videos near the temple entrance. He demanded legal action, stating that those responsible for protecting the law had themselves violated it.