News for 'temples'

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Press Club of India clarified it did not organise an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cutout was worshipped and a 'Modi Chalisa' was read. The event, organised by the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, was stopped by club authorities due to violation of rental terms. The organiser plans to build a temple for PM Modi in Bihar, citing his support for the transgender community.

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.

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.

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.

Mohan Yadav hints at renaming Jahangir Mahal after Bundela ruler Veer Singh

Mohan Yadav hints at renaming Jahangir Mahal after Bundela ruler Veer Singh

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has indicated a potential renaming of Orchha's historic Jahangir Mahal to Veer Singh Mahal, honouring Bundela ruler Veer Singh Judeo. Yadav stated that Veer Singh originally built the palace, and the move aims to highlight overlooked historical aspects. Former minister Narottam Mishra supported the proposal, citing a "malicious attempt to erase our historical heritage" by Mughals. The palace, a blend of Bundela and Mughal architecture, was built for Jahangir but he never resided there.

Beyond India: 9 Of The Oldest Temples In The World

Beyond India: 9 Of The Oldest Temples In The World

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

India has scores & scores of ancient temples, many dating back to Before the Common Era. Hinduism flourished beyond India's borders too. Where are the oldest temples elsewhere in the world?

How a tea break saved 5 friends in devastating Nepal floods

How a tea break saved 5 friends in devastating Nepal floods

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Five friends from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, narrowly escaped being swept away by flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river valleys thanks to an impromptu tea break. They endured two tense days on higher ground, witnessing devastation, before returning home safely, with a poignant Raksha Bandhan moment providing comfort.

Kin of missing Nepal flood victims perform symbolic funeral rites

Kin of missing Nepal flood victims perform symbolic funeral rites

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Eight days after devastating floods in Nepal, families of the missing are resorting to symbolic funeral rites using effigies due to diminishing hopes of finding their loved ones and the destruction of their homes. The disaster has also led to a severe shortage of facilities for traditional mourning rituals in Kathmandu, forcing many to seek alternative arrangements or travel.

Ramanand Sagar's Grandson: 'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'

Ramanand Sagar's Grandson: 'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'After Ramayan, will Ranbir Kapoor be accepted again in a film like Animal?'

Siddhivinayak donation row: Fadnavis orders probe

Siddhivinayak donation row: Fadnavis orders probe

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a comprehensive probe into alleged donation irregularities at Mumbai's famous Siddhivinayak Temple. The directive follows allegations by MNS chief Raj Thackeray of Rs 18 crore being siphoned off annually, leading to the arrest of nine employees and a demand for independent inquiries. The probe will examine the temple's records from the last five years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Janmashtami 2026: How To Dress In The Colours Of Krishna

Janmashtami 2026: How To Dress In The Colours Of Krishna

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Janmashtami is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a celebration of Lord Krishna.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Rescue teams led by the Nepal army continue search operations to locate survivors from the August 26 disaster. 4,873 people remain missing.

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.

SC seeks govt reply on Netaji's daughter's plea to return ashes from Tokyo

SC seeks govt reply on Netaji's daughter's plea to return ashes from Tokyo

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's daughter, Anita B Pfaff, has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions for the return of her father's "ashes" from Tokyo's Renkoji temple. The apex court has issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on the plea. This follows a previous plea by Netaji's grand-nephew which was withdrawn after the court indicated that Bose's heir should be the one to petition.

Nepal: One Week On, Bodies Still Being Recovered

Nepal: One Week On, Bodies Still Being Recovered

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

One week ago, on August 26, 2026, deadly flash floods and mudslides devasted Nepal. Powerful floodwaters and landslides tore through river towns, leaving behind widespread destruction and grief. Rescue efforts across the affected districts continue even as hopes fade of finding survivors.

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.

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Mukesh Ambani: 'When Women of India Rise, India Rises'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'When the women of India become unstoppable, India becomes unstoppable.'

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha were stopped by police while attempting to enter the Taj Mahal with kanwars to perform religious rituals, claiming the monument is a Shiva temple. They were redirected to a different temple to perform their worship.

Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, Reasi Reel Under Floods

Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, Reasi Reel Under Floods

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered flooding across Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, and Reasi, disrupting daily life and prompting rescue operations.

Lewis Hamilton's 'Number 44' Ferrari F40 and Monza Engine Upgrade Boost

Lewis Hamilton's 'Number 44' Ferrari F40 and Monza Engine Upgrade Boost

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Italian Grand Prix in his Ferrari F40, which coincidentally has 'number 44' stamped on its engine, as Ferrari introduces an engine upgrade for their home race, aiming to close the gap on championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly Stuns F1 Field With Maiden Pole At Monza

Alpine's Pierre Gasly Stuns F1 Field With Maiden Pole At Monza

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

French Formula One driver Pierre Gasly secured his first career pole position at the Italian Grand Prix, driving for Alpine. He upset favourites like George Russell and Max Verstappen with a stunning final lap, marking a significant achievement for both Gasly and his team at the historic Monza circuit.

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

An 'illegally' constructed mosque within the Saharanpur district collectorate complex was demolished following a court order, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who accused the government of engaging in 'politics of hate' and undermining social harmony.

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nepal is grappling with the devastating aftermath of flash floods, with the death toll reaching 1,356 and nearly 5,000 people, including foreign nationals, still missing. Identification of bodies is a major challenge, with only a fraction identified so far. President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed for climate justice and national unity for relief efforts. International teams, including experts from India and China, are assisting in search and rescue, particularly at hydropower projects where workers are trapped. The country is also working to restore infrastructure and reassure tourists to protect its vital autumn tourism season.

Ayodhya Trust CEO interviews: 'No personal, religious questions were asked'

Ayodhya Trust CEO interviews: 'No personal, religious questions were asked'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has completed interviews for its first full-time CEO, focusing on professional experience, vision, and management capabilities rather than personal beliefs or practices. The selection process involved multiple rounds, culminating in face-to-face interactions with 16 top candidates.

'You are always pressuring me': RS chairman to Kharge

'You are always pressuring me': RS chairman to Kharge

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan stated he is constantly under pressure from Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, particularly after disallowing Kharge's attempt to raise the alleged theft of Ayodhya Ram Temple donations. Radhakrishnan also mentioned disallowing Treasury benches from raising the "Jharkhand issue," asserting that state subjects cannot be debated in the House. The session saw continuous disruptions, leading to an adjournment.

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.

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.

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Despite repeated demands over the years, the proposal to develop Khudiram Bose's cremation ground in Muzaffarpur into a martyr park has yet to see the light of day due to official apathy.