News for 'Temple'

VHP slams Bar Association's ban on defending Ram Temple fund scam accused

VHP slams Bar Association's ban on defending Ram Temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly criticised the Faizabad Bar Association's resolution to prevent advocates from representing those accused in the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, calling the move 'unethical and unlawful' and a violation of constitutional principles and professional ethics.

SIT questions Ram temple trust officials over donation theft allegations

SIT questions Ram temple trust officials over donation theft allegations

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has questioned Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and administrator Gopal Rao regarding allegations of donation money theft and financial mismanagement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on a plea demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya, deferring the matter until after the summer break.

Missing CCTVs, hundi keys with driver: What SIT found in Ram temple 'fraud'

Missing CCTVs, hundi keys with driver: What SIT found in Ram temple 'fraud'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Investigators recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash and some foreign currency from six of the accused.

Unidentified Assailants Attack Priest In Hathras Temple

Unidentified Assailants Attack Priest In Hathras Temple

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A 51-year-old priest, Dilip alias Chandu Lala, was found dead in a Hanuman temple in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, after allegedly being attacked on the head by unidentified assailants. Police have launched an investigation, formed multiple teams, and sent the body for post-mortem.

Delhi Police Nabs Man For Burglary At Burari Temple

Delhi Police Nabs Man For Burglary At Burari Temple

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 24-year-old man named Rohit for allegedly burgling a Hanuman temple in Burari, north Delhi. Stolen idols and religious articles were recovered, and the accused was apprehended based on CCTV footage and technical surveillance while attempting to sell the stolen goods.

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra step down as Ram Temple row deepens

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra step down as Ram Temple row deepens

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The developments came after an FIR was registered in the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Unnao Priest Murdered At Temple, Police Launch Probe

Unnao Priest Murdered At Temple, Police Launch Probe

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

An elderly priest, Milan Das (60), was allegedly stabbed to death by unidentified assailants at an under-construction temple in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The incident led to local protests, and police have launched an investigation, forming multiple teams to apprehend the culprits.

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'What struck me at the time was simply the scale of it -- that something of this magnitude could be unfolding inside the Ram temple itself.' 'It was bewildering. And what troubled me further was the manner in which people were shielding it.'

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

Ram Temple donation row: Rs 79.85L recovered; 8 accused in police custody

Ram Temple donation row: Rs 79.85L recovered; 8 accused in police custody

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been remanded in police custody until June 29. Investigators have recovered Rs 79.85 lakh and invoked charges under criminal breach of trust and the Prevention of Corruption Act, as several accused were bank employees involved in counting cash donations.

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and missing donations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The move follows a request from the Trust itself, amidst escalating political demands for transparency from various parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

Beed Woman Dies By Suicide In Temple Pond After Childbirth

Beed Woman Dies By Suicide In Temple Pond After Childbirth

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A 39-year-old woman, Madhuri Anand Solunke, allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a pond at the Kankaleshwar temple in Beed, Maharashtra, shortly after giving birth. Police are investigating the incident, and the reason for her extreme step remains unknown.

Priest Murdered For Objecting To Drinking On Temple Premises

Priest Murdered For Objecting To Drinking On Temple Premises

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A 40-year-old priest in Muzaffarnagar was allegedly beaten to death by two men after he objected to them drinking alcohol on temple premises. Police have arrested the two accused, Aniket and Arun, following an encounter where they sustained gunshot injuries.

Ram Temple trust 'open to probe' after Akhilesh flags 'missing funds'

Ram Temple trust 'open to probe' after Akhilesh flags 'missing funds'

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that crores of rupees from donations made to the Ram Temple are missing, calling the situation "extremely sensitive" and "highly embarrassing." He has urged the court to take suo motu cognisance, while a member of the temple trust has suggested an inquiry if doubts persist.

Mumbai Police Arrest Teen For Temple Donation Box Theft

Mumbai Police Arrest Teen For Temple Donation Box Theft

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Mumbai police have arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly stealing Rs 60,000 from a donation box at the Laxmi Narayan temple in Kandivali West. His associate remains at large, and police investigations involved tracking the accused's travel routes.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com11 May 2026

We journey to 10 famous Maa temples, each devoted to a different form of Devi or the female force...

Idol Of Lord Hanuman Vandalised In UP Temple

Idol Of Lord Hanuman Vandalised In UP Temple

Rediff.com30 May 2026

An idol of Lord Hanuman was allegedly vandalised by unidentified miscreants in a temple in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Ram temple donation funds, a move welcomed by the Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairperson. The trust itself requested the inquiry to counter misinformation, while an opposition MP demanded a Supreme Court judge-led investigation.

Temple trusts oppose Maharashtra draft law on devasthan land

Temple trusts oppose Maharashtra draft law on devasthan land

Rediff.com26 May 2026

A state-level 'Temple Land Protection Conference' was held in Mumbai on Monday, during which participants passed a resolution demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the proposed legislation, the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh state in a release.

Trump's Temple Run In Beijing

Trump's Temple Run In Beijing

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Glimpses from Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's ceremonial Beijing engagement capture diplomacy, symbolism and statecraft at historic Chinese landmarks.

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

Rediff.com4 days ago

A crucial meeting of around 250 seers and VHP functionaries in Ayodhya will address issues concerning the Ram temple, including ensuring adherence to Vaishnav-Ramanandi traditions, restoring devotee confidence after an alleged donation theft, and deliberating on the Trust's management. The meeting follows deferred decisions by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on key appointments.

Will be in trouble if I speak truth: BJP leader on Ram temple fund row

Will be in trouble if I speak truth: BJP leader on Ram temple fund row

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

BJP leader and former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed knowledge of alleged misuse and theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating he is not yet ready to reveal the truth due to powerful individuals involved. He also commented on the NEET paper leak controversy, defending the Union Education Minister.

Security Alert In Punjab After Bomb Threat Email To Temples

Security Alert In Punjab After Bomb Threat Email To Temples

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Five prominent temples and government establishments in Punjab received a bomb threat email, triggering a security alert. The email, which referenced Operation Blue Star, is being investigated by cyber teams, though it is suspected to be a hoax. Security has been tightened across the state.

No plans to sell temple gold, clarifies govt

No plans to sell temple gold, clarifies govt

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The government has refuted rumours of a monetisation scheme for gold held by temple trusts and religious institutions, clarifying that such claims are false and misleading.

Former Shaolin Temple Abbot Jailed For Corruption: What It Means

Former Shaolin Temple Abbot Jailed For Corruption: What It Means

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Shi Yongxin, the former head priest of China's Shaolin Temple, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison on graft charges, including embezzlement and bribery.

Tabu Plays Cop, Vijay Sethupathi Blind Beggar In SlumDog: 33 Temple Road

Tabu Plays Cop, Vijay Sethupathi Blind Beggar In SlumDog: 33 Temple Road

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Puri Jagannadh dropped the intense teaser for his action drama SlumDog: 33 Temple Road, showcasing Vijay Sethupathi in a mysterious role as a visually-impaired beggar with hidden combat skills alongside Tabu as a formidable police officer.

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Pulling of chariots resumes

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Pulling of chariots resumes

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings resumed their journey to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, a day after the annual Rath Yatra festival began, following delays in rituals and adverse weather conditions.

Delhi Police Nab Inter-State Temple Theft Kingpin

Delhi Police Nab Inter-State Temple Theft Kingpin

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 44-year-old man, identified as Mohit Sharma, who is alleged to be the kingpin of an inter-state temple theft operation. Sharma, wanted in multiple cases across Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka, specialised in stealing silver idols and donation articles from temples.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Rameswaram temple elephant enjoys refreshing pool bath amid intense summer heat.

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

July 16 will be the biggest and happiest day of the year in Puri, home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple.

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report on the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also issued notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following pleas for a fair and time-bound probe, including demands for a CBI investigation and a CAG audit of the temple trust's finances.

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

Idols Stolen After Hanuman Temple Vandalised In Shillong

Idols Stolen After Hanuman Temple Vandalised In Shillong

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Unidentified miscreants vandalised a Hanuman temple in Shillong's Garikhana locality, stealing idols, silver ornaments and cash after disabling CCTV cameras, police said on Sunday.

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

Operative behind Ram temple recce among 23 designated as terrorists

Operative behind Ram temple recce among 23 designated as terrorists

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Union Home Ministry has designated 23 individuals based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for their involvement in infiltration, recruitment, logistics, financing, and operational planning targeting India.

Idols Vandalised At Temple In Uttar Pradesh, Tension Grips Area

Idols Vandalised At Temple In Uttar Pradesh, Tension Grips Area

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Unidentified individuals allegedly vandalised idols of Lord Hanuman and Nandi at a Kali Mata temple complex in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, triggering tension in the area. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the Gyanvapi dispute have rejected the Supreme Court's mediation initiative, stating that the matter should be resolved through judicial adjudication. This decision came during a session at a Varanasi court, where both sides expressed their preference for a court verdict over an out-of-court settlement.