News for 'Shiva Temples'

Damaged idols found in well of reopened Sambhal temple

Damaged idols found in well of reopened Sambhal temple

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Two damaged idols were found inside the well of the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India, which was reopened last week after being shut for 46 years. The temple, which houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was reopened on December 13 after authorities stumbled upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The idols, a Lakshmi idol and a Parvati idol, were found in the well, which authorities had planned to reopen. The district administration has written to the Archaeological Survey of India for carbon dating of the temple, including the well.

Villagers bring Shivling to court after notice to temple in Chhattisgarh

Villagers bring Shivling to court after notice to temple in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com27 Mar 2022

A few days ago, the revenue officials of Raigarh had given notice to Shiva temple to appear in the court.

Photos: In search of Lord Shiva in India

Photos: In search of Lord Shiva in India

Rediff.com13 Feb 2018

Journeys from the mountains to the temples.

11 Enchanting, Must-Visit Temples

11 Enchanting, Must-Visit Temples

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

Steep yourself in the atmosphere of some of most revered Hindu temples in India.

11 Unique Stays For 2026

11 Unique Stays For 2026

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Stay somewhere that's as memorable as your destination, and India's got plenty of surprises!

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that forcibly seizing someone's faith and trampling over their beliefs is "unacceptable," especially "when we know the truth about Sambhal" which predates Islam, with the Vishnu temple there being destroyed in 1526. He said that Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old, which contain references to Lord Vishnu's future incarnation. He also mentioned that a temple of Lord Vishnu in Sambhal was demolished in 1526, and two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed, both acts carried out by the same person.

Pak Hindus allege 100-yr-old temple land illegally occupied

Pak Hindus allege 100-yr-old temple land illegally occupied

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Land grabbers have illegally occupied the land surrounding a 100-year-old Shiv temple near Tando Jam in Pakistan's Sindh province, obstructing access to the temple and starting construction on the surrounding land. The Hindu community representative, Shiva Kachhi, has appealed to the government to stop the illegal activities and protect the temple and other historical Hindu sites in Sindh.

Day after fire tragedy, MP temple bans outside colours during Rangpanchami

Day after fire tragedy, MP temple bans outside colours during Rangpanchami

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

The administration has declared that devotees will not be permitted to bring external colours into the temple premises in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh.

Mother, daughter arrested for offering namaz at UP temple

Mother, daughter arrested for offering namaz at UP temple

Rediff.com17 Sep 2023

Officials said the action was taken after police received a complaint from the Kesarpur village head's husband, Prem Singh, who alleged that the incident took place on Friday.

Pix: The New Jagannath Temple In Digha, West Bengal

Pix: The New Jagannath Temple In Digha, West Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Built on around 24 acres of land using red sandstone quarried from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, the Jagannath Temple at Digha, also known as Jagannath Dham, is an "architectural marvel, a mixture of intricate carvings and traditional design," an official said.

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.

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Film folk celebrated Mahashivratri on Wednesday by visiting temples and performing pooja, and posting pictures online.

Watch: Nushrratt's Heady Experience

Watch: Nushrratt's Heady Experience

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Nushrratt Bharuccha offered prayers at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Tuesday and sought Lord Shiva's blessings.

Actor Prajakta's Mahashivratri performance at Maha temple faces opposition

Actor Prajakta's Mahashivratri performance at Maha temple faces opposition

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Actor Prajakta Mali's scheduled dance performance at the Trimbakeshwar temple in Maharashtra on Mahashivratri has been met with opposition from several quarters, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI has asked the temple authorities not to organize a cultural event at the protected monument, citing a violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 and its Rules, 1959. Former trustees of the temple have also expressed concerns about the event, citing the potential for large crowds and law and order issues. The temple authorities, however, have defended their decision, stating that the performance was agreed upon unanimously and that any objections should be made in writing.

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If at all human beings require a religion, the future religion will be Hinduism.'

'Go and ask the deity': SC rejects plea for restoring Vishnu idol in Khajuraho

'Go and ask the deity': SC rejects plea for restoring Vishnu idol in Khajuraho

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Terming the plea as a "publicity interest litigation", the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

A potato with what is believed to be a divine image has appeared at the Tulsi Manas Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, drawing devotees from near and far. The image is seen as a sign of the impending arrival of Lord Kalki, who is believed to be taking his incarnation in Sambhal. The appearance of the image has added to the celebrations of Holi, which falls on March 14th.

Maha SIT begins probe into Trimbakeshwar temple forcible entry

Maha SIT begins probe into Trimbakeshwar temple forcible entry

Rediff.com19 May 2023

SIT chief Sukhwinder Singh visited the Shiva temple, one of 12 jyotirlingas in the country, examined relevant CCTV camera footage and met the temple's trustees.

Behold! The architectural marvel of Ayodhya temple

Behold! The architectural marvel of Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

A new landmark of India -- both structural and spiritual -- rises on Ayodhya's horizon on Monday as a new-age architectural marvel of elegant sandstones, diligently carved by craftspeople with dedication and devotion to Lord Ram.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

A night of prayer for Lord Shiva

A night of prayer for Lord Shiva

Rediff.com28 Feb 2006

Sunday, February 26 was a day of devotion for Lord Shiva

Prayers offered at reopened temple in Sambhal

Prayers offered at reopened temple in Sambhal

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Devotees thronged the Khaggu Sarai area in Sambhal on Tuesday to offer prayers to an idol of Lord Hanuman that was discovered in the Bhasma Shankar temple, reopened last week after being shut for 46 years.

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Be it a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist or Jain, everyone is welcome at the dargah, Rijiju said.

The Char Dham Quiz

The Char Dham Quiz

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Take our quiz to test your knowledge about the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

Puri temple implements mandatory dress code for devotees; bans gutkha, pan

Puri temple implements mandatory dress code for devotees; bans gutkha, pan

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

A Shree Jagannath Temple Administration official said devotees will be required to wear "decent clothes" to enter the shrine.

Furore over Maha CM's son entering Mahakal temple's garbhagriha

Furore over Maha CM's son entering Mahakal temple's garbhagriha

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The opposition Congress took a strong objection, saying while common citizens have to wait in queues for hours to take 'darshan' of the deity, VIPs were allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum despite a ban.

This Is How Bollywood Celebrates Mahashivratri

This Is How Bollywood Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Bollywood stars celebrate Mahashivratri by sharing pictures on social media.

Facing criticism online, CJI says he respects all religions

Facing criticism online, CJI says he respects all religions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai affirmed his respect for all religions after facing online criticism regarding comments made during a case about the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

Modi offers prayers at Kedarnath temple

Modi offers prayers at Kedarnath temple

Rediff.com5 Nov 2021

After arriving in Kedarnath, Modi watched a brief documentary detailing the reconstruction work carried out at the Himalayan temple after the devastating deluge of 2013 and then entered the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine.

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.

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'

What Is She Whispering Into Nandi's Ear?

What Is She Whispering Into Nandi's Ear?

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Miss World contestants' heritage itinerary took an interesting turn as the participating beauties immersed themselves in Indian tradition, delved into the spiritual heritage of Telangana.

UP: Told to go to school, minor son kills mother, misleads father

UP: Told to go to school, minor son kills mother, misleads father

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

A 11th-grade student in Gorakhpur, India, has confessed to killing his mother after initially claiming she died from an accidental fall. The teen admitted to pushing his mother during an argument, resulting in a fatal head injury. The revelation came after a detailed investigation by police, who found inconsistencies in the boy's initial story and discovered evidence of a struggle. The boy is now in police custody.

Cricketers Offer Prayers At Mahakaleshwar Temple

Cricketers Offer Prayers At Mahakaleshwar Temple

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

Following India's victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Holkar stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14, 2024, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi worshipped at the Shree Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.

2 UP officials dedicate their chairs to Lord Ram

2 UP officials dedicate their chairs to Lord Ram

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Seema Devi (53), who heads the Gadwara nagar panchayat, and Shesha Devi (65), the Sadar block head -- feel that they won the elections with the god's blessings, so they have decided to dedicate theirs chair to him, according to their supporters.

Drunk man claiming to be Shiva incarnation lynches woman

Drunk man claiming to be Shiva incarnation lynches woman

Rediff.com6 Aug 2023

A purported video of the incident that happened in Tarpal village falling under Saira police station area on Saturday also surfaced on social media, they said.

Bangladesh cricketer's Maha Shivaratri tribute wins hearts

Bangladesh cricketer's Maha Shivaratri tribute wins hearts

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Cricketers from the Indian subcontinent also showcased their devotion through temple visits and rituals.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

When Sun's Rays Touch A Shiva Linga...

When Sun's Rays Touch A Shiva Linga...

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

The sun makes its annual visit to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara cave temple in Bengaluru.