News for 'devotees'

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com7 days ago

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

Sabarimala Devotees Demand CBI Probe Into Gold Loss, Cite Pilgrim Woes

Sabarimala Devotees Demand CBI Probe Into Gold Loss, Cite Pilgrim Woes

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam (SASS) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Sabarimala gold loss cases, urging the Kerala government to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The organisation also highlighted severe issues faced by pilgrims during the Mandalakala-Makarvillakku season, including poor crowd management and long waiting hours, and offered to provide free services to devotees.

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Rediff.com7 days ago

A group of Nihangs, armed with traditional weapons, stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, taking a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof to demand the release of four sect members arrested after a clash in Chamoli.

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Devotees entered the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district on Saturday to offer prayers after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site.

Devotees Allegedly Cheated at Trimbakeshwar Temple with 'Quick Darshan' Scheme

Devotees Allegedly Cheated at Trimbakeshwar Temple with 'Quick Darshan' Scheme

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Two individuals have been booked for allegedly defrauding devotees at the Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik, India, by charging them for 'quick darshan' without proper receipts.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

Jotiba Temple Clash: Priests and Devotees Face Charges After Altercation

Jotiba Temple Clash: Priests and Devotees Face Charges After Altercation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A clash between priests and devotees at the Jotiba Temple in Kolhapur led to charges against both parties after a palanquin was obstructed during a religious procession.

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

Donated silver bricks, ornaments are safe: Ram Mandir trust amid row

Donated silver bricks, ornaments are safe: Ram Mandir trust amid row

Rediff.com2 days ago

The trustees are "shocked" by the developments and are duty-bound to ensure that a fair inquiry is conducted and the faith of devotees is restored.

'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.com1 days ago

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.

5 dead, 18 injured as temple roof collapses in Maharashtra

5 dead, 18 injured as temple roof collapses in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A slab of a Hanuman temple collapsed in Yashwadi village, Parbhani district, Maharashtra, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuries to several others. A rescue operation is underway, and approximately 25 individuals have been rescued so far. The incident occurred on a Saturday, a day when the temple typically sees a large number of devotees.

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Ram Temple Trust declines financial disclosure amid SIT probe

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust secretary, Champat Rai, has declined to provide financial details, including income, expenditure, and donations, citing an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. This decision follows a complaint to the Prime Minister's Office by BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, seeking transparency on the utilisation of funds for the Ram temple project.

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for June 29 on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR and a time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

'No bureaucrats in Ram Temple Trust': Ayodhya seers warn govt

'No bureaucrats in Ram Temple Trust': Ayodhya seers warn govt

Rediff.com2 days ago

Seers in Ayodhya are demanding that bureaucrats be excluded from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of donation embezzlement and the resignations of two key members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. While some seers call for the trust to be run solely by religious figures to prevent corruption, others defend the integrity of the resigned officials, highlighting a division within the spiritual community regarding the trust's management and accountability.

Over 4.4 Million Devotees Celebrate Holi in Braj Region

Over 4.4 Million Devotees Celebrate Holi in Braj Region

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Over 4.4 million devotees have visited Mathura, Vrindavan, and other sites in the Braj region to celebrate Holi, with more expected to arrive. Police have increased security and taken action against miscreants to ensure peaceful festivities.

Police Arrest Woman For Stealing Mangalsutra At Bangla Sahib

Police Arrest Woman For Stealing Mangalsutra At Bangla Sahib

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 36-year-old woman, Vaishnavi Chavan Chauhan, for allegedly stealing a gold mangalsutra from a devotee at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The stolen ornament has been recovered from her possession following a complaint lodged by the victim.

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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

Controversial 'Pistulya Maharaj' Faces Case Over Rs 3.6 Crore Fund Misappropriation

Controversial 'Pistulya Maharaj' Faces Case Over Rs 3.6 Crore Fund Misappropriation

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A spiritual preacher, Kishor Dhondiram Jadhav alias 'Pistulya Maharaj', and his associates have been booked in Latur, Maharashtra, for allegedly misappropriating Rs 3.6 crore collected during a religious event. The funds were meant for temple construction but were unaccounted for, leading to protests by Warkaris.

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.com3 days ago

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.

Unlicensed Boats Blamed For Deadly Capsizing In Beed

Unlicensed Boats Blamed For Deadly Capsizing In Beed

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Boat services at Purushottampuri, a pilgrimage site in Beed district, have been suspended after a capsizing incident killed two women. Local residents allege that many private operators run services without proper licences or safety equipment.

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.

Ayodhya will be BJP's 'Lanka Kaand': Akhilesh Yadav

Ayodhya will be BJP's 'Lanka Kaand': Akhilesh Yadav

Rediff.com3 days ago

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, asserting that Ayodhya will be their "Lanka" due to alleged corruption in Ram Temple donations. He also linked the issue to the NEET controversy, suggesting a wider pattern of malfeasance and predicting internal strife within the ruling party.

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Rediff.com3 days ago

Ayodhya Police have taken Ram Shankar Yadav into custody following an FIR alleging embezzlement of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The complaint, lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, names nine individuals and others for systematic theft and misappropriation of funds. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and its preliminary findings led to the FIR. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed a 'zero-tolerance' policy and urged evidence submission to the SIT.

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Rediff.com6 days ago

A nearly 72-hour standoff at the Nagarasu gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag ended on Tuesday evening as a group of Nihangs holed up at the shrine vacated the premises after talks with a delegation from Punjab, officials said.

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.

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.

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.com2 days ago

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

Devotees Flock To Babulnath Temple In Mumbai For Mahashivratri

Devotees Flock To Babulnath Temple In Mumbai For Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

On the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday, February 15, 2026, devotees gathered in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva at the Babulnath Temple in south Mumbai.

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

This marks a significant step towards legally safeguarding the cultural and spiritual identity of one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage centres.

'Those Who Were Meant To Protect Ram Mandir Funds Looted It'

'Those Who Were Meant To Protect Ram Mandir Funds Looted It'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'SIT means nothing because the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh and Ram Janmabhoomi Trust are the same people.'

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A Lucknow-based jeweller has raised concerns about the untraceable status of a three-kg silver lamp and other silver items he and his association donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His claims come amidst allegations of fund embezzlement at the temple, prompting a state-level SIT investigation ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A group of seers, led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, has launched a campaign in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to ban the sale of food under the name "veg biryani".

No meat on the menu: Kashi vendors pushed to the outskirts ahead of Sawan month

No meat on the menu: Kashi vendors pushed to the outskirts ahead of Sawan month

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to relocate all meat, fish, and poultry shops outside city limits before the holy month of Sawan has ignited a debate among residents, traders, and political leaders, with supporters citing religious sentiments and critics raising concerns about convenience and livelihoods.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Hindu groups organised a 'victory celebration' at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district after the ASI granted the community unrestricted access to the monument for worship.

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.

A Green Banana Adventure

A Green Banana Adventure

Rediff.com6 days ago

It took years and years to bump into a green banana and learn how to eat it.

The Last Trip With My Father

The Last Trip With My Father

Rediff.com4 days ago

At Kolga Aabla, the closest beach to her grandmother's home, at the edge of a birch forest, we immersed her balance ashes. It was a sombre, precious day for both of us. But a day that also brought long-needed closure. My mother's spirit, chained for so many years in a Parkinson's-locked body, was free. But my father came back from the beach a visibly older man.

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...

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of systematic extortion and money laundering through a network of bank accounts. Kharat allegedly rotated over Rs 47 crore of ill-gotten money through 60 bank accounts, deceiving devotees by claiming divine powers.