Supreme Court Upholds Traditional Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayur Temple

Apex Court Grants Interim Relief Ensuring Continuation of Age-Old Ritual Amidst Concerns of Public Inconvenience

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim relief directing the continuation of the traditional Udayasthamana Pooja at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple on Vrishchikam Ekadasi, scheduled for December 1, 2025. The decision comes amidst a dispute over the discontinuation of this age-old ritual, which has sparked a legal battle between the temple authorities and devotees.

The bench, comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, emphasized the importance of preserving religious customs and traditions, which have been an integral part of the temple's heritage. The court observed that rituals with significant religious importance should not be altered merely due to apprehensions of public inconvenience.

The controversy arose when the Guruvayoor Devaswom Managing Committee, in consultation with the temple's Thantri, decided to discontinue the Udayasthamana Pooja on Vrishchikam Ekadasi, citing increased public inconvenience due to the swelling number of devotees. This decision was challenged by P.C. Hary and others, who sought the court's intervention to preserve the traditional practices.

During the hearing, the petitioners argued that the Udayasthamana Pooja has been performed since time immemorial, although the temple authorities claimed its formal inception in 1972. The Supreme Court, while recognizing the administrative challenges posed by the large influx of devotees, underscored the precedence of faith and religious sentiments over managerial concerns.

The court's order mandates the continuation of the pooja as per tradition, allowing for the possibility of performing it on an additional date if deemed necessary by the Thantri. This interim relief is subject to the final outcome of the appeal, which is scheduled for hearing in March 2026.

This judgment reaffirms the judiciary's role in safeguarding religious traditions while balancing them with administrative necessities. The decision has been welcomed by devotees who view it as a victory for preserving the sanctity of religious practices.

Bottom Line:

Religious customs and rituals that are part of long-standing traditions and have religious significance should not be altered or discontinued merely on grounds of public inconvenience, as the faith of worshippers must be given precedence and respect.

Statutory provision(s): None explicitly mentioned.

P.C. Hary v. Guruvayoor Devaswom Managing Committee, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2802269