News for 'Temples'

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Odisha government is working to secure copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, following concerns over untimely celebrations by ISKCON and the declaration of a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

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.

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide has gone up to 32, officials said on Wednesday, a day after disaster struck the route on the hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

Maha CM gives update on elephant Madhuri's return from Vantara

Maha CM gives update on elephant Madhuri's return from Vantara

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Vantara will join the Maharashtra government's petition in the Supreme Court to seek the return of elephant Madhuri to a monastery in Kolhapur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Delhi: Yamuna Swells Past 207 Metre Mark

Delhi: Yamuna Swells Past 207 Metre Mark

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Floodwaters reached near the Delhi secretariat, which houses the offices of the chief minister, cabinet ministers and key bureaucrats.

Deepika-Ranveer Celebrate Ganpati With Ambanis

Deepika-Ranveer Celebrate Ganpati With Ambanis

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Film folk are busy celebrating Ganpati by visiting their friends' homes, pandal-hopping or simply at home.

11 Ways To Sparkle At Ganpati Pooja

11 Ways To Sparkle At Ganpati Pooja

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Expect Bollywood's shiniest to sparkle at the festivities in glorious traditional fashion and gorgeous personal style.

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Ten women died and 30 others were injured after a pick-up van carrying them to a temple fell into a gorge in Pune district. The accident occurred due to the vehicle's failure to climb an incline, possibly due to overloading. PM Modi and CM Fadnavis announced compensation for the victims' families.

Two Shirdi temple employees killed, 1 hurt in two robbery bids

Two Shirdi temple employees killed, 1 hurt in two robbery bids

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Two employees of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust were stabbed to death, and another person was injured in separate robbery bids in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The police have apprehended one suspect and are searching for another in connection with the attacks that occurred early Monday morning. The victims, Subhash Sahebrao Ghode and Nitin Krishna Shejul, were employees of the trust, which manages the famous Saibaba Temple in Shirdi. The attacks took place within an hour, and police believe robbery was the sole motive. Multiple cases have been filed against the suspects.

When Everyone Made Their Own Lord Ganesha...

When Everyone Made Their Own Lord Ganesha...

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha. Please continue to e-mail your pictures to getahead@rediff.co.in (My Lord Ganesha Pix) with your name, location and details about your Lord Ganesha and we will publish the best photographs on Rediff.

Another temple reopens in UP after 44 years, idols missing

Another temple reopens in UP after 44 years, idols missing

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The development comes in light of multiple abandoned or locked temples in various parts of Uttar Pradesh being reopened for prayers.

Caring for Kadiki

Caring for Kadiki

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Senior BJP leaders and an expelled MLA have questioned the Karnataka government's decision to have author Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities, citing concerns about her faith and its appropriateness for a religious ceremony.

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.

Sharvari's Happiness On A Plate

Sharvari's Happiness On A Plate

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Sunny meet His Holiness.. Karishma recreates Dil Chahta Hai moment... Rajkummar says a prayer...

'Japan temple ready to hand over Netaji Bose's ashes'

'Japan temple ready to hand over Netaji Bose's ashes'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Descendants of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose claim they have documentary evidence to prove that the Renkoji temple authorities in Japan have always been willing to hand over the 'ashes' believed to be his, refuting perceptions of roadblocks to their repatriation. They assert that successive Indian governments have shown little interest in retrieving the remains and conducting DNA tests, despite numerous appeals from the family. The article highlights the conflicting reports and controversies surrounding Netaji's death and the ongoing mystery surrounding his remains.

Kishtwar cloudburst: Mud-covered bodies, survivors reveal horror

Kishtwar cloudburst: Mud-covered bodies, survivors reveal horror

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The shocking scenes of physical and psychological trauma unfolded on a massive scale as search and rescue operations were underway, digging out mud-buried bodies and rescuing the injured trapped in slush and rocks after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst devastated Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday.

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.

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Hindu Munnani staged a protest in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a group of people consuming non-vegetarian food on the sacred Thiruparankundram hill. The protest, which was initially banned, was allowed by the Madras High Court with some restrictions. Several thousands of devotees, Hindu Munnani functionaries, and BJP members participated in the protest, raising slogans hailing Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya). Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam and scores of activists were arrested.

ASI inspects 'Skanda Purana' well at newly found Sambhal temple

ASI inspects 'Skanda Purana' well at newly found Sambhal temple

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

On Friday, a four-member team of the ASI surveyed the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites and 19 'koops' (wells).

Porbandar to Pahalgam: 2,000 Km For Peace

Porbandar to Pahalgam: 2,000 Km For Peace

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Qadri Javed Azad and Makwana Kumar are on a 2,000 km expedition from Porbandar to Pahalgam to spread the message of peace, unity and Operation Sindoor.

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, has demanded the evacuation of mosques built on ancient temples across India. Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar, claims that around 80% of mosques in India are built on temples and that their domes resemble those of temples. He has appealed to Muslims to hand over such structures to Hindus and has called for the formation of a "Sanatan Board" to protect Hindu religious institutions. Puri also denied banning Muslims from attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, saying that they are welcome to visit and learn about Hinduism.

When Nepal Army Chief Visited Ram Temple

When Nepal Army Chief Visited Ram Temple

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The glimpses when Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Never suggested Modi should retire at 75: Mohan Bhagwat

Never suggested Modi should retire at 75: Mohan Bhagwat

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified that he never stated he would retire or that others should retire at 75, addressing speculation following his recent remarks.

5 Must-Visit Temples For History Lovers

5 Must-Visit Temples For History Lovers

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Step into India's fascinating past and visit these five wonderful temples

Muslim Booker winner breaks silence over Dasara invite row

Muslim Booker winner breaks silence over Dasara invite row

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has affirmed her respect for the Dasara festival and Goddess Chamundeshwari, following objections from BJP leaders regarding her invitation to inaugurate the event.

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

'Dead Or Alive, Not A Single Man Will Turn Back'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

10 Heroes of the 1965 War which ended on September 23 60 years ago.

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Financially we are sound and we have always broken even. 'It is just we don't have the personnel and that is why we have to close down.'

10-day Ganeshotsav begins in Maharashtra

10-day Ganeshotsav begins in Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The 10-day Ganesh festival has begun in Maharashtra, with devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals. The state government has declared the celebrations a state festival for the first time.

Shut post-riots, temple in Sambhal reopened after 46 years

Shut post-riots, temple in Sambhal reopened after 46 years

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Local residents shared their memories of the temple, with many highlighting its importance as a religious site for the community.

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

A stepwell, approximately 125 to 150 years old and covering an area of 400 square metres, was unearthed during excavation in the Laxman Ganj area of Chandausi in Sambhal, an official said.

Athiya-Ahan Bond In A Park

Athiya-Ahan Bond In A Park

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Varun says a prayer... Huma promotes her book... Aahana's bikini moment...

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Three elderly people died in a stampede caused by two elephants becoming agitated after crackers were burst during a festival at the Manakulangara Temple near Koyilandy, Kerala. The elephants ran towards a building, causing a wall to collapse and trapping people. The stampede also resulted in around 20 people suffering minor injuries. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, and investigations are underway to determine if there were any violations of elephant management rules.

ISKCON temple set afire, idol damaged near Dhaka

ISKCON temple set afire, idol damaged near Dhaka

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

A group of people set fire to an ISKCON temple in Dhaka district in Bangladesh in the early hours of Saturday.

J-K flashflood: Langar organiser rescued alive after 30 hrs under debris

J-K flashflood: Langar organiser rescued alive after 30 hrs under debris

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

A man running a community kitchen for pilgrims was rescued alive after being trapped under debris for 30 hours following a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir. The disaster has left many dead or missing and the annual pilgrimage suspended.

Bihar Cabinet okays Rs 882.87cr for developing Sita's birthplace

Bihar Cabinet okays Rs 882.87cr for developing Sita's birthplace

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

According to the proposal of the state Tourism department, which was approved by the Cabinet, around Rs 137 crore will be spent on the renovation of the old Punaura Dham Janki Mandir and Rs. 728 crore for the development of tourist infrastructure around the temple. The remaining amount will be spent on the maintenance of the infrastructure for ten years.

What Stories These Pictures Tell!

What Stories These Pictures Tell!

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

A New Way To Retire Gracefully

A New Way To Retire Gracefully

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

This isn't just a home for the elderly. It's a place where life stories, generations, and cultures weave themselves into something quietly extraordinary, discovers Nitin Sathe.

Radhakrishnan vs Reddy: NDA holds edge in Tuesday's V-P poll

Radhakrishnan vs Reddy: NDA holds edge in Tuesday's V-P poll

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

The stage is set for a direct contest between NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy for the vice-presidential election. The BJP-led alliance has a clear edge in the poll necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

7 children among 11 killed as van rams into truck in Rajasthan

7 children among 11 killed as van rams into truck in Rajasthan

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Twenty people were on board the pickup vehicle when it rammed into a stationary truck in the service lane of the highway, the SP said, adding that one of the eight injured is in critical condition.