This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Kerala's Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Opens Its Gates To Christian Singer KJ Yesudas

As per the tradition of the temple, anyone who believes in Hinduism is given permission to pray.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -- Legendary playback singer K.J. Yesudas has been given permission to pray at the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple on the occasion of Vijayadashami, a member of the erstwhile Travancore Royal family said on Monday.

As per the tradition of the temple, anyone who believes in Hinduism is given permission to pray. Yesudas, born to a Roman Catholic family, in a letter sent through a special messenger to the temple authorities, sought permission to pray. The issue was discussed by the temple on Monday and the permission was granted.

Vijayadashami falls on 30 September, and Yesudas will also render a song that day at the temple.

Speaking to IANS, Aditya Varma of the royal family, confirmed that the executive committee meeting of the temple has given permission for Yesudas to pray at the temple.

"He has to follow all the rules and regulations stipulated and if he does that he can come and pray," said Varma.

The representative of the royal family is a member of the temple committee.

Yesudas has always said that despite singing numerous songs on Lord Guruvayoorappan, he is yet to see the deity at the famed Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor in Thrissur district, as the temple bars non-Hindus from entering.

Yesudas in his signing career, that has entered its 56th year, has recorded more than 1,00,000 songs in 14 languages.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2017.

Also on HuffPost India:

Hrithik Roshan's House

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.