News for 'Hindu Temples'

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

An explosion occurred outside a temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, when a motorcycle-borne person threw an explosive device towards it, damaging a portion of its wall and shattering window panes. While no one was hurt in the incident, the explosion caused panic among residents. The incident has sparked concern about law and order in the state and led to accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The police are investigating the incident and have collected samples from the site to identify the material used in the explosion.

Women storm mausoleum in UP to conduct puja, clash with police

Women storm mausoleum in UP to conduct puja, clash with police

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Tension prevailed in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district after a group of women clashed with the police while allegedly trying to perform puja at a disputed mausoleum site in the Abunagar area on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, officials said on Thursday.

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

Court Verdict Reopens Question On Hindu Identity

Court Verdict Reopens Question On Hindu Identity

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

What should be made out of the Madras high court order involving non-Hindus' entry into Hindu temples, when many non-Hindus are among the hundreds of thousands that have been worshipping at these temples for generations, asks N Sathiya Moorthy.

Don't judge people by caste, wealth or language: Bhagwat

Don't judge people by caste, wealth or language: Bhagwat

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of social harmony, environmental responsibility, and national unity, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively for the betterment of society and the nation.

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The dispute started when members of a particular community objected to the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at a Hanuman temple in Varanasi's Madanpur area.

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'The entire town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Devotees celebrated Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh for the first time in 46 years. The temple, which was reopened last December after being closed since 1978, saw enthusiastic participation from social and Hindu organisations. The event was held under tight security following communal violence in the area in 2024.

Seema case fallout: Hindu areas attacked with rocket launchers in Pak

Seema case fallout: Hindu areas attacked with rocket launchers in Pak

Rediff.com16 Jul 2023

The assailants fired indiscriminately at the temple built by the local Hindu community on Sunday, prompting a police unit led by Kashmore-Kandhkot SSP Irfan Sammo to reach the scene.

UK polls: Sunak, rival Starmer hit temple trail to woo British Hindu voters

UK polls: Sunak, rival Starmer hit temple trail to woo British Hindu voters

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

While 44-year-old Sunak was at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden on Sunday to promise to keep trying to "make the community proud", 61-year-old Starmer chose another north London Swaminarayan Temple in Kingsbury on Friday to reiterate his commitment to building a "strategic partnership with India".

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Dussehra marks the day the holy river Ganga descended to Earth from Lord Shiva's locks, moved by King Bhagirath's penance. The day is considered highly auspicious and symbolises virtue, penance, and the collective well-being of humanity.

Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story' poster sparks controversy

Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story' poster sparks controversy

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Bollywood now pushing propaganda with #TheTajStory a film twisting history by showing the Taj Mahal as a temple. A country boasting of being the 4th largest economy is drowning in fantasy & communal myths. When propaganda feels ashamed, you know it's India 2025'

Hindu outfit says Ajmer dargah was also a temple, clergy rejects claim

Hindu outfit says Ajmer dargah was also a temple, clergy rejects claim

Rediff.com27 May 2022

Claiming the mausoleum of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer was once a temple, a Hindu outfit has demanded a survey of the premises by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Decade-long Indian dream fulfilled as UAE minister opens new temple in Dubai

Decade-long Indian dream fulfilled as UAE minister opens new temple in Dubai

Rediff.com5 Oct 2022

It was inaugurated a day ahead of the Dussehra festival and the temple is an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE.

Shivakumar accuses BJP of playing politics in Dharmasthala case

Shivakumar accuses BJP of playing politics in Dharmasthala case

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accuses the BJP of politicizing the Dharmasthala 'multiple murders and burials' case, criticizing their protests and questioning their motives.

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Temples across Maharashtra are increasingly adopting dress codes for visitors, urging devotees to wear modest and traditional attire. While temple trusts argue that these codes maintain sanctity, visitors have mixed reactions. The trend, which started with the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai, has spread to other temples, including those in Pune, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar. The move has been welcomed by some, who believe it promotes respect and decorum within religious spaces. However, others argue that it is unnecessary and restrictive. Right-wing organizations are advocating for similar dress codes across all temples in Maharashtra, including prominent state-run temples like the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

3 held for trying to perform havan, puja at Sambhal mosque

3 held for trying to perform havan, puja at Sambhal mosque

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Three men from Delhi were detained in Sambhal, India, for allegedly attempting to perform Hindu rituals, including a havan and puja, at the Shahi Jama Masjid. The incident occurred on Friday, with police citing concerns about public order and potential disruption to communal harmony. The mosque is a site of ongoing religious tensions, with four people having died in violence last year related to a court-ordered survey. The detainees claimed they were attempting to perform rituals at a nearby Vishnu Harihar temple.

Nitish visits Taxila, ancient Hindu temples in Pakistan

Nitish visits Taxila, ancient Hindu temples in Pakistan

Rediff.com14 Nov 2012

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday visited the ancient city of Taxila, terming it an "emotive" and "overpowering" experience, and the centuries-old Katasraj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province that have recently been restored.

What Jaishankar said on defacement of temple in US

What Jaishankar said on defacement of temple in US

Rediff.com23 Dec 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed concern over the vandalism of a Hindu temple with anti-India graffiti in the United States, and said extremists and separatist forces outside India should not get such space.

Big moment as street in New York co-named after Ganesh temple

Big moment as street in New York co-named after Ganesh temple

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

Established in 1977, The Hindu Temple Society of North America Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, popularly known as the Ganesh temple, is regarded as the first and oldest Hindu temple in North America.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality in Muzaffarnagar, was reopened on Monday after being closed for over 30 years. The temple, built in 1971, was shut down during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992. The reopening ceremony was conducted peacefully with a 'havan' and local Muslims showering flowers on a procession of Hindu activists. The event was marked by a display of harmony, highlighting the importance of religious tolerance and understanding.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

Pak's Hindu temples turned into picnic spots, hotels

Pak's Hindu temples turned into picnic spots, hotels

Rediff.com24 Feb 2011

Hindus in Pakistan watch helplessly as ancient temples turn into ruins due to the apathy of authorities, reports Tahir Ali

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for social harmony within the Hindu community, urging them to embrace the principle of "one temple, one well, and one cremation ground" for all. Bhagwat, on a five-day visit to Aligarh, emphasized the importance of achieving true social unity for India to fulfill its global responsibility for peace. He also stressed the significance of "sanskar (values)" as the bedrock of Hindu society, encouraging members to reach out to all sections of society and strengthen the foundations of nationalism and social cohesion.

Ram temple in Canada defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans, India lodges protest

Ram temple in Canada defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans, India lodges protest

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

A prominent Hindu temple in Canada has been defaced by 'Khalistani extremists' with anti-India graffiti in an apparent hate crime, prompting the Indian mission in Toronto to condemn the incident and urge Canadian authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators.

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, held a 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority locality, was "reopened" by members of these groups. The ceremony took place on Wednesday night amid tight security measures. Local residents, including a former Aligarh Mayor, have voiced concerns over the state of the temple and called for its restoration.

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Trump, 79, made a lively entrance in Malaysia's capital, dancing to the rhythm of drums on the airport tarmac near Air Force One, his energetic moves drawing smiles from onlookers.

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

On October 14, 1956, Dr B R Ambedkar, fulfilling his long-held vow to renounce Hinduism, embraced Buddhism along with over 500,000 followers at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi, marking a new era of social and spiritual liberation for India's Dalits.

Gyanvapi built on temple as per ASI survey report, claims Hindu side lawyer

Gyanvapi built on temple as per ASI survey report, claims Hindu side lawyer

Rediff.com26 Jan 2024

Jain told reporters that copies of the survey report consisting of 839 pages were made available to the parties concerned by the court late Thursday evening.

After temples, Khalistani supporters target Indian consulate in Brisbane

After temples, Khalistani supporters target Indian consulate in Brisbane

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

The incident comes following the vandalism of three Hindu temples in Australia by Khalistani supporters.

Maha temple trustees spar over Malhar certification for meat shops

Maha temple trustees spar over Malhar certification for meat shops

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The 'Malhar' nomenclature of a platform announced by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane for certifying mutton shops exclusively operated by Hindu community members has divided trustees of the famous Malhari Martand temple. One trustee has demanded a name change as the deity is "vegetarian" and loves animals, while another trustee supports the use of 'Malhar'. The certification program aims to certify 'jhatka' mutton shops, which are 100% operated by Hindus.

PHOTOS: Hindu temple in Peshawar reopens after 60 years

PHOTOS: Hindu temple in Peshawar reopens after 60 years

Rediff.com1 Nov 2011

Hindus celebrated Diwali at a historic 160-year-old temple at Peshawar in northwest Pakistan after it was reopened to the minority community after six decades on a court's orders.

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The chief priest of the biggest Hanuman temple in Pakistan, Sant Ram Nath Mishra, has said that the Pakistani Army has always supported Hindus in their struggle against extremist groups in the country. Mishra, who is currently on a visit to Hindu religious sites across India, recounted the struggle of the Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi, which was encroached upon over the decades but was restored following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018. He said that the Pakistani Army and government swiftly implemented the Supreme Court's decision to return the temple land, despite opposition from hardline groups. Mishra also highlighted the need for easing visa restrictions between India and Pakistan, allowing Hindus on both sides to visit religious sites in each other's countries.

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Ajay Sharma, the chief of Sanatan Rakshak Dal, had on Wednesday said they have removed Sai Baba's idol from 14 temples so far, including the idol of Sai Baba at the Bada Ganesh temple in Lohatia.

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside visiting clerics on the dais as slogans of "Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar" were raised at the venue, where thousands had gathered since morning.

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Indian diplomats in Canada under surveillance: MEA

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"Over the last year or even more, the kind of things that we have seen attacking Indian diplomats, threatening, intimidating, harassing Indian diplomats...Yes, the threats have increased," he added.

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Over 70 Indian Hindu pilgrims returned home on Wednesday after performing religious rituals at the sacred Katas Raj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province.