News for 'devotees'

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.

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.

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.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com1 days ago

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

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Rediff.com3 days ago

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

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Puri Jagannath Temple Plans New Dress Code: No jeans, shirt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

According to the recommendations, reviewed by Business Standard, any dress code shall always be akin to Hindu culture.

Temple Procession Attacked In Ghaziabad, Several Injured

Temple Procession Attacked In Ghaziabad, Several Injured

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A procession of devotees returning from a Durga temple in Ghaziabad was allegedly attacked, with reports of stone-pelting, leading to tensions in the Kaila Bhatta area. Police have taken 10 people into custody and are investigating the incident.

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, and the scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.

Gang Targeting Kedarnath Pilgrims Busted; Two Arrested

Gang Targeting Kedarnath Pilgrims Busted; Two Arrested

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Police in Kedarnath have arrested two men believed to be part of an organised gang that steals from pilgrims. Purses, ATM cards, and other belongings were recovered from the suspects, who are residents of Ludhiana, Punjab.

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Rediff.com6 days ago

In a momentous occasion after the Bharatiya Janata Party's win, the Durga temple in Asansol, reopened its doors to devotees after remaining shut for several years.

Temple Trustee Arrested Over VIP Darshan Fraud at Trimbakeshwar

Temple Trustee Arrested Over VIP Darshan Fraud at Trimbakeshwar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A trustee of the Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust has been arrested following allegations of a VIP darshan scam where devotees were charged extra for quick access without receipts.

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A 37-year-old self-styled godman was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly cheating several people by claiming to possess divine powers and performing 'aghori' rituals.

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

Rioting Case Filed After Ink Attack On NCP Leader In Pune

Rioting Case Filed After Ink Attack On NCP Leader In Pune

Rediff.com2 days ago

Police in Pune have registered a rioting case against a religious preacher and his supporters after an ink attack on an NCP (SP) spokesperson, following accusations of targeting spiritual leaders.

Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP's Divisive Politics In Punjab

Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP's Divisive Politics In Punjab

Rediff.com1 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics and attempting to incite violence in Punjab for electoral gains, while reaffirming his government's commitment to peace and communal harmony.

8 women killed in stampede at temple in Bihar's Nalanda

8 women killed in stampede at temple in Bihar's Nalanda

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A stampede at the Shitala Mata temple in Bihar's Nalanda district resulted in the deaths of eight women due to a heavy rush of devotees.

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.

Police Investigate Fireworks Display Near Kedarnath Temple

Police Investigate Fireworks Display Near Kedarnath Temple

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Police have registered a case against unidentified individuals for allegedly setting off fireworks near the Kedarnath temple and sharing the video on social media. This action follows several incidents of controversial videos being filmed at the shrine since the Kedarnath Yatra began.

Centuries-Old Mud Ritual Marks Assamese New Year in Majuli

Centuries-Old Mud Ritual Marks Assamese New Year in Majuli

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Majuli welcomes the Assamese New Year with Boka Bihu, a centuries-old tradition of mud-smearing that also celebrates the healing power of Nature.

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Shabari story in the Ramayana found mention before a nine-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday while hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised the importance of Sikh Gurus' teachings at the Baisakhi Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, highlighting the government's efforts to promote these values and support the Sikh community.

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Kerala government of protecting CPI(M) leaders allegedly involved in the Sabarimala temple gold loss case and failing to address other issues related to the temple.

Seven Pilgrims Killed by Speeding Truck in Gujarat

Seven Pilgrims Killed by Speeding Truck in Gujarat

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Seven pilgrims were killed and others injured after being struck by a speeding truck in Gujarat's Surendranagar district. The incident occurred on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway as the group walked to Bahucharaji as part of a religious procession.

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Northern states in India are experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 46.6 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has impacted daily life, leading to a decline in tourism and increased power demand. Authorities have issued advisories and implemented measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

Alvida Jumma Prayers Held Peacefully in Sambhal Under Police Watch

Alvida Jumma Prayers Held Peacefully in Sambhal Under Police Watch

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Muslims in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, observed Alvida Jumma, the last Friday prayers of Ramadan, at Shahi Jama Masjid amidst tight security arrangements. Devotees prayed for peace and harmony across the country as they prepare to celebrate Eid.

Vaishno Devi Yatra Halted Amidst Pilgrim Surge

Vaishno Devi Yatra Halted Amidst Pilgrim Surge

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Vaishno Devi Yatra was temporarily suspended due to a heavy influx of pilgrims during the Chaitra Navratri festival. Over 39,000 devotees visited the shrine, leading to overcrowding and the suspension of the yatra for safety reasons.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

Speeding Truck Kills Seven Pilgrims in Gujarat

Speeding Truck Kills Seven Pilgrims in Gujarat

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

A speeding truck ran over a group of pilgrims walking to a temple in Gujarat, killing seven and injuring four.

Will implement women's quota, no power can stop us: Rajnath

Will implement women's quota, no power can stop us: Rajnath

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Congress and DMK over the defeat of the amendment bill regarding the Women's Reservation Act in Parliament but said the government was determined to implement it and that "no power in the world can stop us," from doing so.

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

One of the notable celebrations includes the Rath Yatra -- a spectacular procession through the streets with Lord Mahavir's idol on a chariot, with followers accompanying it while chanting hymns and performing prayers.

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), managing the Sabarimala temple, argued in the Supreme Court that religious beliefs should be judged subjectively by the community, as the court hears petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places.

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan, India, carrying tourists primarily from Punjab, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and missing persons. The incident occurred during a devotional trip to Mathura, turning a pilgrimage into a tragedy for families from Ludhiana and Jagraon.

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

Uttarakhand: 20 lakh LPG cylinders needed for Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand: 20 lakh LPG cylinders needed for Char Dham Yatra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around 2 million commercial and domestic LPG cylinders will be required to meet demand from hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2026, according to Prajapati Nautiyal, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Char Dham Yatra Administration Organisation.

6 more held for iftar near UP temple

6 more held for iftar near UP temple

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Police in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested six more individuals in connection with an Iftar party held near the Sonpathri Ashram Temple, bringing the total number of arrests to ten. The arrests stem from allegations of cooking non-vegetarian food and improperly disposing of the leftovers, which allegedly hurt religious sentiments and violated forest regulations.

Second Prisoner Recaptured After Odisha Jail Escape During Durga Puja

Second Prisoner Recaptured After Odisha Jail Escape During Durga Puja

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Odisha Police have arrested Raja Sahani, an undertrial prisoner who escaped from Choudwar Circle Jail in Cuttack during last year's Durga Puja celebrations. He was apprehended in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, after months on the run.

Haryana Pilgrims Injured as Truck Plunges into Ravine in Una

Haryana Pilgrims Injured as Truck Plunges into Ravine in Una

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nine pilgrims from Haryana were injured when their truck fell into a ravine near Pirnagah in Himachal Pradesh's Una district. Four are in critical condition.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

On Thursday, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.