Supreme Court Upholds Tradition of Udayasthamana Pooja in Kerala

The Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed the traditional practice of the ‘Udayasthamana Pooja’ at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala. This significant ritual will take place on December 1, 2023, in accordance with long-standing customs. The court’s ruling ensures that this day-long ceremony, held during the auspicious occasion of ‘ekadashi’, will proceed as per tradition without alterations.

The Udayasthamana Pooja is a vital event at the Guruvayur temple, running from sunrise to sunset. It includes a continuous series of 18 poojas, along with homam, abhishekam, and other sacred rites. A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi acknowledged that this ritual has been performed continuously since 1972, highlighting its importance in the temple’s religious calendar.

The Supreme Court’s decision follows a previous criticism of the temple’s Devaswom administration, which had opted not to conduct the Udayasthamana Pooja during ekadashi. The administration cited concerns over crowd management and the intention to provide more time for devotees to participate in darshan. The bench expressed concern about the administration’s decision, questioning how such a change could be made to a ritual that is deeply rooted in tradition.

In its ruling, the court referenced the historical significance of the Udayasthamana Pooja, noting that it has been a part of the temple’s practices long before its formal documentation in 1972. The plea challenging the administration’s decision was filed by P C Harry and other family members with priestly rights to the shrine. They emphasized that ekadashi is the temple’s most important festival and that alterations to the ritual could disrupt its spiritual integrity.

The petitioners argued that the rituals were originally established by the revered Vedic philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. They contended that any deviation from these traditional practices would harm the manifestations of divine energy, or “Chaitanya,” associated with the rituals. The court’s ruling underscores the importance of preserving such customs, reflecting a broader commitment to maintaining cultural and religious heritage.

As the case progresses, the court has directed the involved parties to finalize their pleadings, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for March 2026. This decision not only reinforces the significance of the Udayasthamana Pooja but also emphasizes the judiciary’s role in safeguarding religious traditions within the framework of Indian law.