News for 'Temple'

TN temple from Pallava era to get gopuram after centuries

TN temple from Pallava era to get gopuram after centuries

Rediff.com21 hours ago

The 1,300-year-old Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai, near Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is set to receive a 125-foot Rajagopuram, constructed using traditional techniques and natural materials like lime mortar and specially prepared bricks.

India raises concern over US temple shooting plot

India raises concern over US temple shooting plot

Rediff.com7 days ago

India has expressed deep concern over reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, US. A teenager was arrested on October 11 in connection with the plot, which reportedly involved white supremacist ideology and threats against people of Indian origin. India has urged US authorities to investigate thoroughly and take measures to prevent such hate-motivated violence.

15 killed as speeding truck ploughs into devotees near MP temple

15 killed as speeding truck ploughs into devotees near MP temple

Rediff.com4 days ago

At least 14 persons were killed and several others injured after an out-of-control truck ran over devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior late on Saturday night, breaking through a police checkpoint and damaging the temple's gate and outer wall.

Gambhir Offers Prayers At Kamakhya Temple

Gambhir Offers Prayers At Kamakhya Temple

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Gautam Gambhir visited Guwahati's Kamakhya temple before meeting selectors to discuss India's New Zealand tour squads, as the team prepared to seal the ODI series against West Indies.

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Prays At Mahakaleshwar Temple In Ujjain

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Prays At Mahakaleshwar Temple In Ujjain

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain to offer prayers ahead of the team's third T20 International against the West Indies in Indore, with the five-match series currently level at 1-1.

Hindu temple vandalised with bricks in US

Hindu temple vandalised with bricks in US

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

A Hindu temple in Ohio, the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Vadthaldham, was vandalised with bricks, shattering windows. US advocacy groups, including the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, have condemned the alleged hate crime, which occurred just before Hindu Heritage Month and Navaratri celebrations, calling for swift action and public condemnation from authorities.

Probe Hindu temple attack as hate crime, US lawmakers tell FBI chief Kash Patel

Probe Hindu temple attack as hate crime, US lawmakers tell FBI chief Kash Patel

Rediff.com2 days ago

Over 100 US lawmakers, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have written to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding an investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime. They also sought answers on measures to address online threats targeting Indian-Americans, criticising the Trump administration's past messaging for legitimising racial stereotypes.

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The magnificent Kailasa temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian engineering and artistic brilliance, carved meticulously from a single mountain.

'A memorable day': US envoy Sergio Gor visits Golden Temple

'A memorable day': US envoy Sergio Gor visits Golden Temple

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, visited Amritsar's Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Partition Museum, calling it a "memorable day." During his visit to the Golden Temple, he was welcomed by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, who also raised concerns about a controversial "Mr Singh" poster issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, which was later removed. Discussions also covered the Sikh community's contributions and issues in the US.

SC protects journalist who exposed Ram temple theft, curbs police data access

SC protects journalist who exposed Ram temple theft, curbs police data access

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has made permanent its order protecting a journalist from coercive action in a road rage case and quashed a police notice to 'X' seeking his digital details. The court noted the police sought data from before the alleged crime and granted the journalist liberty to challenge the FIR and seek guidelines for data collection.

Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Bail Hearing For Two Accused Deferred

Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Bail Hearing For Two Accused Deferred

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The bail applications of two accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar Yadav, were postponed to October 6 and 7 as the judge was on leave. Six other accused have already had their bail pleas rejected. The SIT's 70,000-page charge sheet details the embezzlement of donations, with Rs 79.85 lakh recovered.

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Tirumala Tirupati temple to insure devotees for Rs 2 lakh

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced several new initiatives for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including Aadhaar-based devotee insurance for Rs 2 lakh, the establishment of an SV Museum by TCS Trust, and the introduction of electric buses donated by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech. The plans also include global expansion of Srivari temples, improved Annadanam, integrated hospital services, and significant infrastructure development in Tirupati to make it a services and wedding destination with a Net Zero concept.

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

What do a Rajasthani style building, an island and a striking lotus-shaped shrine have in common? They are all home to Krishna devotion far from India. Unexpected settings to fascinating architecture, these seven temples offer a glimpse of how Krishna's timeless tradition has travelled across the globe.

Air Marshal Mishra Takes Charge As Ram Temple Trust CEO

Air Marshal Mishra Takes Charge As Ram Temple Trust CEO

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) has been appointed as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following a restructuring exercise to enhance administration.

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 18th BRICS summit in Bharat Mandapam. The leaders were photographed against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's iconic Ramanathaswamy temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Modi explained the temple's importance to President Xi, highlighting its unique status as a Char Dham and Jyotirlinga shrine, and its historical and religious significance linked to Lord Ram.

Ayodhya court rejects bail for 3 more accused in Ram Temple theft case

Ayodhya court rejects bail for 3 more accused in Ram Temple theft case

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A special court in Ayodhya has rejected the bail applications of three more individuals accused in the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple, following similar rejections for three others. The case involves embezzlement of cash and valuables, leading to eight arrests and a state-level SIT investigation.

SIT finds currency was removed 105 times from Ram temple counting room

SIT finds currency was removed 105 times from Ram temple counting room

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya identified 105 instances of unauthorised currency removal from the counting room. While no discrepancies were found in valuable articles like silver bricks, eight accused have been identified, and a chargesheet is expected soon. The investigation involved examining CCTV footage, financial records, and witness statements.

10 Durga Mata Temples Beyond India

10 Durga Mata Temples Beyond India

Rediff.com6 days ago

Durga Mata's strength inspires millions worldwide. There are temples dedicated to her across many countries, serving as centres of worship, Navratri festivities, and cultural pride that bind global Hindu communities

7 Temples Of Goddess Durga As Mahishasurmardini

7 Temples Of Goddess Durga As Mahishasurmardini

Rediff.com6 days ago

Across India, sacred temples honour Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini or the slayer of evil Mahishasura. Discover the temples that preserve the legend of Mahishasuramardini, from ancient cave art to Shakti Peeths.

Ram Temple Trust: The 5 New Guardians

Ram Temple Trust: The 5 New Guardians

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed a new leadership team, including retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as CEO, Ayodhya lawyer Madan Mohan Pandey as trustee, Delhi businessman Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, and Dr Nirmala Yadav as the first woman trustee, to address allegations of theft and improve administration and devotee facilities.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

7 Mansa Devi Temples In India

7 Mansa Devi Temples In India

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Maa Mansa Devi, revered as the Hindu goddess of serpents, is worshipped for protection from snakebites, fertility and prosperity. She is also popularly known as the wish-fulfilling goddess. In Hindu mythology, Mansa is associated with sage Kashyapa and is regarded as the sister of Vasuki, the serpent king.

Ram Temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members

Ram Temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra has taken charge as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Ram temple trust in Ayodhya. He attended his inaugural meeting with trust members, where he was briefed on administrative and accounting functions. This appointment is part of a broader administrative overhaul following controversies over alleged embezzlement of temple donations.

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A group of prominent seers in Ayodhya protested against former Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, alleging embezzlement of offerings and demanding an impartial investigation. They also claimed police forcibly stopped their meeting, a charge denied by local authorities who stated the seers were asked to vacate a hotel room booked for stay, not a meeting. The seers vowed to launch a larger movement if their demands for action against those responsible are not met.

Operation Sindoor veteran is Ram temple trust's first CEO

Operation Sindoor veteran is Ram temple trust's first CEO

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. His selection follows a rigorous process and comes amidst a recent controversy regarding alleged embezzlement of temple donations.

Meeting underway to appoint first CEO of Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Meeting underway to appoint first CEO of Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to appoint its first full-time CEO from a shortlist of three candidates, chosen from over 5,500 applicants. The Trust is also discussing filling three vacant trustee posts, amending the Trust deed, and addressing administrative matters, including financial affairs and security coordination, following a recent controversy over alleged temple donation embezzlement.

Smog Blankets The Capital

Smog Blankets The Capital

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'Poor' category on October 22, 2026, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 237-238 by the Central Pollution Control Board. A smog layer covered landmarks including India Gate, Kartavya Path, Akshardham Temple and Anand Vihar, while joggers carried on their morning routine and vehicles moved through the haze. Old Delhi's Jama Masjid also appeared hazy a day earlier.

'Every penny must reach temple treasury': SC on Banke Bihari donations

'Every penny must reach temple treasury': SC on Banke Bihari donations

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a directive for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, mandating that all donations must be deposited into official donation boxes or the online temple treasury. This comes amidst serious allegations of sevayats siphoning off funds and obstructing online donation methods, highlighting the need for a transparent mechanism in temple management.

Devotees hurt in rush at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple complex

Devotees hurt in rush at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple complex

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Amid a massive rush for Nag Panchami at Ujjain's Nagchandreshwar Temple, reports of minor injuries circulated, prompting authorities to deny any stampede. Officials stated that darshan was proceeding smoothly, despite the large number of devotees and heavy crowds in the city.

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in Illinois for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship. Authorities recovered a manifesto with white supremacist ideologies and references to violence against people of Indian descent, along with weapons and tactical gear. The plot was uncovered after Paporakis shared concerning electronic communications, leading to swift action by law enforcement.

Bihar CM: Lord Ram asked PM, 'When will I get a home?'

Bihar CM: Lord Ram asked PM, 'When will I get a home?'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary recently made a statement suggesting Lord Ram was 'asking for a home' while Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided houses to millions. He linked the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to PM Modi's efforts, highlighting the BJP's ideological commitment to the temple and other key issues like Article 370 abrogation. Choudhary also mentioned plans for a Sita temple in Bihar.

Ram Temple trust to get first CEO on Wednesday amid donation theft row

Ram Temple trust to get first CEO on Wednesday amid donation theft row

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to appoint the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. A selection committee is expected to submit three shortlisted names on Wednesday, following an extensive search process that reviewed approximately 5,500 applications. This move comes after the Trust acknowledged that donation theft had harmed its image, aiming to ensure superior management and restore devotee faith.

South African envoy cleared in Zuma-Gupta temple visit row

South African envoy cleared in Zuma-Gupta temple visit row

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The South African government has cleared its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, of any wrongdoing after he appeared at a temple event in Haridwar with former president Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta, who faces corruption allegations. DIRCO stated Sooklal provided only customary protocol support to Zuma and attended the event independently, without facilitating any substantive engagement with Gupta.

MP truck accident: CM orders removal of CSP, suspension of 8 cops

MP truck accident: CM orders removal of CSP, suspension of 8 cops

Rediff.com4 days ago

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the removal of a city superintendent of police (CSP) from his post and the suspension of eight other police personnel over alleged negligence following a truck accident near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior that claimed 14 lives.

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.

Illinois teen planned to 'kill as many Indians as possible'

Illinois teen planned to 'kill as many Indians as possible'

Rediff.com7 days ago

A 19-year-old alleged white supremacist, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in Aurora, Illinois, for plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple. Authorities found a manifesto detailing plans to kill Indians and other minorities, along with firearms and ammunition. Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Odisha government has roped in IIT-Bhubaneswar to introduce a queue management system at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, including setting up wooden ramps for a clearer view of the deities, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Tuesday.

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Supreme Court shield for journalist reporting on Ram temple theft

Supreme Court shield for journalist reporting on Ram temple theft

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has protected journalist Abhishek Upadhyay from coercive action by Ghaziabad Police, who had filed an FIR against him in a road rage case. Upadhyay alleges the FIR is retaliatory for his reporting on alleged irregularities in donations at Ayodhya's Ram temple. The court has sought a copy of the FIR and asked Upadhyay to approach the Allahabad High Court.

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expeditiously complete its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also mandated the SIT to submit a sealed status report and consider suggestions from litigants for improving transparency and investigation quality.