Press Trust of India
- Days after actress Jaimala set off a storm by claiming she had entered Sabarimala temple (barred for women between 10-50 years of age) years ago, Malayalam actress Meera, a Christian, prays at a temple that doesn’t admit non-Hindus
Kannur, Jul 2: After the controversy surrounding Kannada actress Jaimala's entry into Sabarimala temple, a new row has been kicked up by Malayalam actress Meera Jasmine, a Christian, offering prayers at Raja Rajeshwara temple at Taliparamba near here.
Jasmine made votive offerings at the famous temple, where the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited, and paid obeisance to Lord Raja Rajeshwara, the presiding deity, on Thursday night, sparking off a protest by Hindu devotees.
Meera
She was accompanied by Govindan Kutty, co-producer of the Mohanlal film Vadakkumnathan, who had asked the temple authorities whether entry of non-Hindus was permitted and was told by TTK Devaswam exective E K Babu that only Hindus are allowed inside.
Jasmine offered prayers at the temple after 8 pm without being noticed by security guards but was recognised by a child outside.
Reports here, quoting the actress, said she had sought prior permission from temple officials before entering the shrine.
However, the authorities said they were not aware of her seeking such permission.
On earlier occasions, Jasmine had 'darshan' at the temple from outside.
Jayamala
Meanwhile, the temple authorities performed 'purification' rituals in this connection, they said adding such 'poojas' were done as part of the efforts to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
According to a temple official, the leading actress had spoken over telephone to the T T K Devaswam president E P Harijayanthan Namboodiri and sought apology if her worshiping at the temple had "hurt" the sentiments of the devotees.
She also offered the temple management the required funds to perform purification rituals.
The actress could not be contacted for her comments.