Sept. 17: Renowned playback singer K.J. Yesudas has applied for permission to visit the historic Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, considered the richest Hindu shrine, in Thiruvananthapuram with family.

A Roman Catholic who also follows Hindu religion and its rituals and regularly visits the hill shrine of Sabarimala in Kerala and the Mookambika temple in neighbouring Karnataka, the 77-year-old singer filed a written request to the Padmanabha Swamy authorities yesterday.

"The request was accompanied with a mandatory declaration that he has faith in Hindu belief systems and would follow basic requirements for entry," V. Ratheesan, the temple's executive officer, told The Telegraph today.

While the application does not say when Yesudas wants to visit the centuries-old temple, it has been orally conveyed to the shrine authorities that he wants to do so on Vijaya Dashami, September 30.

"The temple allows anyone from any religion who gives a simple undertaking that he or she believes in Hinduism and would maintain some basic etiquette within the complex," said Ratheesan.

He added that Yesudas might sing a few Carnatic classical compositions at the temple as his offering to Lord Vishnu, the deity.

The official said several European tourists visited the temple every year. "They, too, fulfil the requirement of giving in writing their faith in the Hindu belief system."

Although he has visited several Hindu temples in various cities, Yesudas has not been successful in gaining entry to the Guruvayur temple in Kerala's Thrissur district as it is strict about permitting only Hindus.

However, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala permits worshippers from any religion and is unique for still following a system in which visitors need to first seek blessings at a mosque nearby.