Singer K J Yesudas can enter Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Thiruvananthapuram: All hassles to singer K. J. Yesudas’s entry into Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple have been removed. The administrative committee of Sree Padmanabhaswami temple on Monday approved the recommendation of its executive officer V. Ratheesan to grant entry to the singer. The singer had submitted a request to the executive officer to allow him to visit the shrine, along with a signed declaration that he belived in the Hindu faith. Yesudas is expected to visit the temple on September 30, Vijayadashami day.

The person who had handed over the singer’s application had told the executive officer that yesudas preferred to visit the temple on September 30. A non-Hindu devotee will have to first provide a signed declaration saying that he believes in the Hindu faith, and that he will abide by the customs and traditions of the  temple.     

Foreigners who visit the temple area also made to sign such a declaration. Local non-Hindus, too, are mandated by a 1952 government order to sign a declaration but this is generally not followed as it is virtually impossible to differentiate a Hindu or non-Hindu. Normally, the executive officer can take a decision without convening a meeting of the Committee. However, in Yesudas' case, the executive officer referred the matter to the  committee for a final decision.