Guruvayur Devaswom to Address Court Mandate on Renaming Temple Offerings

What Happened

The Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee has scheduled a meeting to address a Kerala High Court directive requiring the renaming of 'Kodathi Vilakku,' a prominent ceremonial lighting of lamps at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Swami Temple. This traditional event, held during the annual temple festival, features a three-elephant procession and a Nadaswaram concert. Currently, it is organized by the Sree Guruvayurappan Ekadashi Court Vilakku Celebration Committee, which includes members of the Chavakkad Munsiff Court Bar Association.

The Devaswom Bench, consisting of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar, determined that the term 'Kodathi Vilakku' (Court Lamp) could lead the public to believe the judiciary holds an institutional association with a specific religious tradition. The court emphasized that secular democratic institutions must avoid activities that appear to promote one religion over others.

Background

This directive follows a petition from Rajeswari, the administrator of Gurubaba Ashram, who alleged the event continued despite a previous 2022 ruling. In 2022, a Single Bench led by Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar advised Thrissur judicial officers against active involvement in the event's organization, stating they should not feel compelled to attend. The petitioner also sought bans on other similarly named events at the temple, including 'Police Vilakku,' 'Postal Vilakku,' and various bank-sponsored lamp ceremonies.

Key Facts

• The Kerala High Court Devaswom Bench directed the renaming to preserve the perception of institutional neutrality.
• The event is traditionally managed by members of the Chavakkad Munsiff Court Bar Association.
• The current name translates to 'Court Lamp,' suggesting a formal link to the judiciary.
• A 2022 court ruling already restricted judicial officers from formal roles in the organizing committee.
• The temple committee chairperson, A. V. Gopinath, stated that the final decision will involve consultation with the festival organizers to ensure legal compliance.

What Happens Next

The Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee will collaborate with the festival organizing committee to select a new name for the event. Chairperson A. V. Gopinath indicated that if the organizing committee cannot reach a consensus on a name, the Devaswom will seek further guidance from the High Court to ensure the program proceeds in accordance with the law.