Ekadasi Udayasthamana Pooja: Supreme court directs Guruvayoor temple to follow traditional practice
The Supreme Court of India has issued an interim order requiring the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple to maintain its traditional Udayasthamana Pooja practices on Ekadasi. The court prioritized the religious sentiments of devotees over the management's logistical concerns regarding crowd control.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between religious tradition and administrative management in India's prominent temples, often requiring judicial intervention.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (October 8, 2026) passed an interim order that the Udayasthamana Pooja on Ekadasi day must be held in accordance with earlier practice of the famed Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala.
A Bench headed by Justice Aravind Kumar said the faith and sentiments of worshippers must be given pre dance over management hurdles.
The petitioners led by P.C. Hary and members of traditional managing families, represented by senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar and advocate Karthik Ashok, had challenged decisions by the Guruvayoor Devaswom Managing Committee and the temple Thantri to alter or reschedule the Udayasthamana Pooja on Vrishchikam Ekadasi.
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