Supreme Court Orders Guruvayoor Temple to Follow Traditional Ekadasi Udayasthamana Pooja

The Supreme Court of India on [date] directed the Guruvayoor temple in Kerala to follow the traditional practice of Ekadasi Udayasthamana Pooja, an all-day ritual performed on the auspicious Ekadasi day. The interim order was issued in response to a legal challenge concerning the conduct of the ritual, with the court stating it would hear the main appeal in December.

The dispute centers on the proper observance of the Ekadasi Udayasthamana Pooja, a significant ritual at the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, one of Kerala's most prominent pilgrimage sites. The temple, managed by the Guruvayoor Devaswom, has faced legal scrutiny over ritual practices in the past. The Supreme Court's directive ensures that the traditional practice remains in place pending a full hearing of the appeal.

The order is likely to be welcomed by devotees and traditionalists who advocate for the preservation of age-old customs at the temple. It also underscores the judiciary's role in adjudicating religious and cultural disputes. The December hearing will determine the final outcome of the appeal, which could have broader implications for temple administration and ritual practices in Kerala and beyond.