With authorities of the Raja Rajeshwara temple near Kannur deciding to carry out purification rituals following a recent visit by Malayalam film star Meera Jasmine, a non-Hindu, the actress on Sunday remitted Rs 10,000 towards the cost of the rites.
Temple sources at Taliparmba said Jasmine sent the amount to TTK Devaswam Board, which administers the temple, through an acquaintance to perform poojas to "sanctify" the shrine. According to traditions, non-Hindus are barred from entering the temple and the visit by Jasmine, a Christian, had sparked controversy.
An executive meeting attended by thantris (senior priests) and temple trustees on Sunday decided to conduct rituals in the coming two days for "sanctifying" the temple following the actress's visit.
The trustees also decided to seek an explanation from a senior devaswam official and security guards in connection with Jasmine's entry into the temple.
Jasmine, a Christian by birth, had worshiped Lord Raja Rajeshwara, the presiding deity, by offering neyyamruth at 8 pm on Thursday after entering the temple.
The controversy came close on the heels of the row over Kannada actress Jaimala's claim that she had touched Lord Ayyappa's idol at the Sabarimala Hill shrine, where women are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum.
{{/usCountry}}The controversy came close on the heels of the row over Kannada actress Jaimala's claim that she had touched Lord Ayyappa's idol at the Sabarimala Hill shrine, where women are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum.
{{/usCountry}}Jasmine has tendered an apology to the temple management, saying she was sorry if the sentiments of any devotee were hurt by visit. She had also promised to pay the funds required to perform sanctification rituals in the temple.