News for 'temple priest'

How a temple priest reached White House

How a temple priest reached White House

Rediff.com17 Oct 2009

Shekar Narasimhan, a former trustee himself of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, Maryland, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year, told rediff.com that after discussions the Temple chairman, president and other trustees assured that they will do whatever to 'support this historic Diwali ceremony'.

Monks demand arrest of  Mahabodhi temple priest

Monks demand arrest of Mahabodhi temple priest

Rediff.com4 Dec 2007

Buddhist monks have demanded the arrest of chief priest of Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Bhante Bodhi Pal, ex-officio secretary of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BMTC) Kalicharan Yadav and public relations officer Bhajju Yadav for chopping off a branch of the Bodhi tree.

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, responding to several media queries regarding the current 'internal conflict' in Karnataka Congress in reference to the chief ministerial position, said on Tuesday that he doesn't want to embarrass or weaken the party.

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains caused widespread destruction in Dehradun and surrounding areas, leaving people stranded and causing damage to infrastructure.

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains overnight left a trail of destruction in Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun and its neighbouring areas on Tuesday, sweeping away at least five people and leaving more than 500 stranded in different locations.

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The dispute started when members of a particular community objected to the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at a Hanuman temple in Varanasi's Madanpur area.

Goddess Kali crown gifted by Modi stolen from B'desh temple

Goddess Kali crown gifted by Modi stolen from B'desh temple

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Prime Minister Modi presented the crown to the Jeshoreshwari Temple in March 2021, during his visit to Bangladesh.

Tirupati temple 'purified' amid animal fat in laddu row

Tirupati temple 'purified' amid animal fat in laddu row

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

As the controversy continues to reverberate nationwide, various quarters are demanding steps to safeguard the sanctity of Hindu temples and their 'prasadam'.

Ram temple sanctum sanctorum's roof is leaking, says chief priest

Ram temple sanctum sanctorum's roof is leaking, says chief priest

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Alleging negligence in the construction of the temple, Das claimed that there was also no arrangement for the drainage of rainwater from the temple premises after the showers on Saturday midnight.

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Rajasthan's finance department has approved about Rs 23 crore for the renovation, beautification and development of religious tourist destinations.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Blast outside Amritsar temple, ISI role suspected

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

An explosion occurred outside a temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, when a motorcycle-borne person threw an explosive device towards it, damaging a portion of its wall and shattering window panes. While no one was hurt in the incident, the explosion caused panic among residents. The incident has sparked concern about law and order in the state and led to accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The police are investigating the incident and have collected samples from the site to identify the material used in the explosion.

'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.

Kangana's Temple Run In Karnataka

Kangana's Temple Run In Karnataka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Kangana Ranaut visited the Shri Durgaparameshwari emple in Kateel and the Shri Hale Mariamma temple in Kapu.

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Army Tuesday said no air defence guns or any other air defence resource were deployed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

Glimpses of Home Minister Amit Shah's busy busy Sunday, crisscrossing India.

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Dussehra marks the day the holy river Ganga descended to Earth from Lord Shiva's locks, moved by King Bhagirath's penance. The day is considered highly auspicious and symbolises virtue, penance, and the collective well-being of humanity.

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Seers in Ayodhya announce a boycott of the upcoming Ram Leela, objecting to its 'unrestrained' and 'cinematic' presentation, citing concerns about the actors' lifestyles and the sanctity of the epic.

Modi is main 'yajman' of Ram temple consecration, says chief priest

Modi is main 'yajman' of Ram temple consecration, says chief priest

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the main "yajman" at the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Laxmikant Dixit, the main priest for the ritual, said on Wednesday.

Uddhav 'not invited', Ram Temple chief priest says...

Uddhav 'not invited', Ram Temple chief priest says...

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

Reacting to the remarks made by Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray that he has not received invitation for the inauguration event of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Sunday said that invitations have been extended only to those who are 'devotees of Lord Ram'.

14 priests injured in 'gulal-triggered' fire in Mahakal temple

14 priests injured in 'gulal-triggered' fire in Mahakal temple

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

Fourteen priests, including 'sevaks' (assistants), were injured in a fire that broke out in the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Monday during 'bhasma aarti', an official said.

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has reopened after being locked for 45 years following communal riots. The district administration has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating of the temple, including a well on the premises. The temple is being guarded round the clock and worshippers have started visiting. The reopening of the temple has been met with gratitude from local residents, who have expressed their desire to reconnect with their heritage.

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Thousands of devotees thronged Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple for Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi.

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'What is it about the institution of faith that makes somebody get a sense of impunity, that they believe they can get away with anything?'

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.

Ram Temple Head Priest Inspects Preparations For Big Day

Ram Temple Head Priest Inspects Preparations For Big Day

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

On Thursday, December 28, 2023, Acharya Satyendra Das, the head priest of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, inspected the preparations ahead of the pran pratishta, which is scheduled to be held on January 22.

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

On October 14, 1956, Dr B R Ambedkar, fulfilling his long-held vow to renounce Hinduism, embraced Buddhism along with over 500,000 followers at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi, marking a new era of social and spiritual liberation for India's Dalits.

Kamala Harris And The Broken Link

Kamala Harris And The Broken Link

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'Her grandfather left the village more than 70 years ago. None of her family is here. Nobody from her gothram is here. The people who knew her grandfather are long dead. I cannot understand why people keep coming here and asking us questions about her.'

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Once a quiet riverside ritual, Dev Deepawali has evolved into UP's largest soft-power spectacle -- merging faith, art, enterprise into a global cultural brand that reflects state's growing confidence.

'Om Shanti Shanti': Hindu priest opens DNC Day 3

'Om Shanti Shanti': Hindu priest opens DNC Day 3

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

A priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, Bhatt hails from Bengaluru. He is a Madhwa priest trained in Rig Veda and Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama, under his guru, Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha.

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The decision to invite Mushtaq had sparked controversy, with several petitions challenging the Karnataka government's move.

Floods Submerge Ujjain Temples

Floods Submerge Ujjain Temples

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, continuous rain in Ujjain has led to an increase in the water levels of the Shipra river.

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

A potato with what is believed to be a divine image has appeared at the Tulsi Manas Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, drawing devotees from near and far. The image is seen as a sign of the impending arrival of Lord Kalki, who is believed to be taking his incarnation in Sambhal. The appearance of the image has added to the celebrations of Holi, which falls on March 14th.

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Fish sellers of Chittranjan Park found themselves in a state of disbelief last week when the anti-meat overdrive of the Hindu right hit the local markets with a warning to shut shops because they were close to a temple.

Kedarnath priest alleges scam in gold plating of temple walls

Kedarnath priest alleges scam in gold plating of temple walls

Rediff.com18 Jun 2023

In a video that surfaced online, senior priest Santosh Trivedi alleged that the temple's sanctum sanctorum has been covered with brass plates in the name of gold plating, claiming it is a 'Rs 125 crore scam'.

No place for Sai Baba in temples: Shankaracharya boycotts Shimla event

No place for Sai Baba in temples: Shankaracharya boycotts Shimla event

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Jyotispeethadheeswar Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who was scheduled to participate in the "Gau Dhwaj" hoisting programme at the Ram temple in Shimla, boycotted the event and did not visit the shrine.

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).

2 more Hindu priests arrested in Bangladesh: ISKCON

2 more Hindu priests arrested in Bangladesh: ISKCON

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Historically, Hindus made up approximately 22 per cent of Bangladesh's population during the 1971 Liberation War.

When Hindus, Muslims came together to save Dhaka's ancient temple

When Hindus, Muslims came together to save Dhaka's ancient temple

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

On August 13, Muhammad Yunus visited the Dhakeswari Temple and reached out to the distressed Hindu community members in the wake of attacks on the minority communities.