Guruvayur Devaswom Board apologises over purification

Guruvayur, Kerala, June 13 (UNI) The Guruvayur Devaswom Board today expressed regret over the purification ritual at the famed Guruvayur temple following the visit of Union Minister Vayalar Ravi's son Ravikrishna, putting an end to the controversy.

The decision to express regret to Mr Ravi and Mr Ravikrishna over the 'punyaham' (purification ceremony) held after the 'choroonu' (first feeding ritual) of Mr Ravi's grandchild on May 19 was taken at the two-day meeting of the Board, which concluded today, following a complaint by Mr Ravikrishna.

The meeting also decided to conduct a 'deva prasanam'' regarding the entry of non-Hindus into the temple, Board Chairman Thottathil Ravindran told reporters here.

The Board had sought an explanation from the Temple Manager and Tantri on the issue.

Since the Tantri was the ultimate authority in deciding temple customs and traditions, the meeting also decided to recommend to the Government to amend the Devaswom Act, he said.

UNI