The Supreme Court on October 8, 2026, directed the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple to follow traditional practices for the Udayasthamana Pooja on Ekadasi. Justice Aravind Kumar said, “I have myself stood for seven hours,” noting that faith matters more than management hurdles. The court will hear the main appeal in December.
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.
Management, represented by senior advocates C.A. Sundaram, V. Giri and advocate Rohini Musa, had argued that the performance of the rituals during Ekadasi was faced by logistical challenges posed by the massive influx of devotees on that auspicious day.
“I have myself stood for seven hours,” Justice Kumar said, indicating it was part of the devotional expression.
The court said it would hear the main appeal in December.