Smartglasses with hidden cameras land pilgrim in trouble at Kerala temple

The incident follows last month’s historic Maha Kumbhabhishekam at the temple—held after 270 years—which saw massive crowds and included the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol and ‘Ashtabandha Kalasam’ at the Thiruvambadi shrine

A 66-year-old pilgrim from Gujarat was briefly detained on Sunday (July 7) evening for attempting to enter the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala while wearing smartglasses embedded with hidden cameras—an act that violates the temple’s strict no-recording policy.

The individual, identified as Surendra Shah, was visiting the renowned temple in Thiruvananthapuram with his wife, sister, and other relatives when security personnel at the entrance spotted a suspicious glare from his glasses. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the eyewear was equipped with concealed cameras.

Temple authorities immediately alerted the police, who registered a case against Shah under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to disobedience to lawful public orders. He was subsequently served a notice to appear for further inquiry but was allowed to return to Gujarat with his family the same day.

Police officials stated that preliminary investigations suggest no malicious intent behind the incident, though a more detailed probe is ongoing to rule out any security concerns.

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India’s most revered and closely guarded shrines, has stringent security protocols in place to preserve its sanctity. Photography and the use of electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited within the premises.

The incident comes shortly after the temple witnessed massive footfall during the rare Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony held last month—the first in 270 years. The ritual included the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol and the ‘Ashtabandha Kalasam’ at the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Swamy Temple inside the complex.