News for 'temples'

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.

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A man's alleged suicide in West Bengal, with a note blaming the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of fear-mongering and political exploitation.

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Trump, 79, made a lively entrance in Malaysia's capital, dancing to the rhythm of drums on the airport tarmac near Air Force One, his energetic moves drawing smiles from onlookers.

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.

They Fought To The Last Man For India

They Fought To The Last Man For India

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

On November 18, 1962, 114 soldiers of the 13th Kumaon fought till the last man, and last bullet, in sub-zero temperatures, to beat back the huge Chinese army. We salute the Heroes of Rezang La.

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.

Dharmasthala rape-murder victim's mother files fresh complaint

Dharmasthala rape-murder victim's mother files fresh complaint

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Kusumavati, mother of Sowjanya, who was allegedly raped and murdered more than a decade ago, submitted a fresh complaint to the SIT probing allegations of multiple rapes, murders and burials in Dharmasthala.

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.

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.

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged BJP cadre to ensure the opposition is defeated in the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra. He emphasized the party's strength and commitment to performance-based politics, citing PM Modi as an example.

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

When Deepika Padukone wore a hijab for a promotional ad, she probably didn't expect the trolling to be this bad.

9 Ancient Cave Temples Of India

9 Ancient Cave Temples Of India

Rediff.com30 May 2025

So many of our temples, either in the north or in the South, boast elaborate shikharas, mandapas, vimanas. But the earliest places of worship were sculpted deep into rock faces and hill caves.

A SiddhiVinayak Temple In Srinagar!

A SiddhiVinayak Temple In Srinagar!

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com comes across a Ganesh temple in Kashmir's summer capital that remains a well kept secret.

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

An e-auction of over 1,300 items gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun, featuring items such as a statue of Goddess Bhavani, an Ayodhya Ram Temple model, and sports memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games. Proceeds will go to the Namami Gange project.

A Unique Way To Celebrate Rajinikanth's 50 Years

A Unique Way To Celebrate Rajinikanth's 50 Years

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

In a heartfelt tribute to mark 50 years of Rajinikanth in cinema, a fan named Karthik adorned the Rajinikanth temple in Madurai, Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple, with over 5,500 photographs of the superstar.

Ayodhya Ram temple completion delayed by 3 months

Ayodhya Ram temple completion delayed by 3 months

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Mishra cited a shortage of around 200 workers and the need to replace certain stones on the temple's first floor as primary reasons for the delay.

Sukhbir Badal performs 'sewadar' duty at Golden Temple

Sukhbir Badal performs 'sewadar' duty at Golden Temple

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

He was seen wearing a plaque around his neck while sitting in a wheelchair because of a fractured leg.

BJP's Ram temple counter to TMC MLA's Babri Masjid proposal

BJP's Ram temple counter to TMC MLA's Babri Masjid proposal

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The BJP's Murshidabad unit in West Bengal announced plans to construct a Ram temple in Berhampore, days after TMC MLA Humayun Kabir proposed to set up a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid in Beldanga. The temple construction, estimated to cost Rs 10 crore, is expected to begin on January 22, 2025, one year after the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Kabir's announcement sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing him of attempting to polarise communities for political gain. The BJP's counterproposal is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its presence among the Hindu community in Murshidabad.

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

From drone-lit skies and gemstone rangolis to fragrance journeys and theatrical thalis, India's new-age festive events blend heritage with high-tech spectacle to create memories that feel both intimate and unforgettable.

'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?'

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain pleas against the Kerala High Court order dismissing petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees.

Devotee drops iPhone in 'hundi', TN temple says 'God's property'

Devotee drops iPhone in 'hundi', TN temple says 'God's property'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

As per the practises and tradition at the temples, any offerings made into the hundial directly goes into the account of the deity of that temple. Rules do not permit the administration to return the offerings back to the devotees, Babu told reporters in Chennai.

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.

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A four-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey of the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites, and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey followed the discovery of three damaged idols inside a well of the Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened after being shut for 46 years. The Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 after authorities found the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling and had remained locked since 1978. The district administration has requested carbon dating of the temple, including the well, from the ASI. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has restrained courts across India from entertaining new lawsuits or passing any orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs, until further notice. This action halts proceedings in approximately 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties seeking surveys to determine the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi at Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal, where four individuals died in clashes. The Supreme Court will examine the legality, scope, and boundaries of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of places of worship and ensures the preservation of their religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947.

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.

TTD bans political, hate speeches near Tirupati temple

TTD bans political, hate speeches near Tirupati temple

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), custodian of Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, has banned political and hate speeches at Tirumala. The decision comes in response to recent incidents where individuals, including political leaders, made political or inflammatory statements before the media near the temple premises after Darshan, disrupting the spiritual peace. The TTD warned of legal action against violators.

Bihar's 'Singham' Roars Into Battle

Bihar's 'Singham' Roars Into Battle

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Former IPS officer Shivdeep Lande, the popular Maharashtra-born 'supercop' calls Bihar his 'karmabhoomi.'

Isn't Lavanya Tripathi A Hawt Mama?

Isn't Lavanya Tripathi A Hawt Mama?

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The former beauty queen turned actor knows how to balance style with authenticity.

Will Cong act against Chidambaram for Op Blue Star remarks?

Will Cong act against Chidambaram for Op Blue Star remarks?

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

The Congress leadership is reportedly upset with former Home Minister P Chidambaram for his remarks on 'Operation Blue Star'. Party sources indicate that senior leaders should be cautious about making public statements that could embarrass the party.

Diane Keaton And A Private Tragedy

Diane Keaton And A Private Tragedy

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Diane Keaton's wit and honesty taught us that ageing and uncertainty aren't weaknesses, they are part of what makes us human and graceful, observes Sreehari Nair.

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Kerala Devaswom Minister alleges a conspiracy behind the 'missing' gold-coated pedestal of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple, which was later found at a sponsor's relative's residence. The minister accuses the sponsor of staging a drama and misleading the public.

Sanjay Dutt, Yami Offer Prayers At Golden Temple

Sanjay Dutt, Yami Offer Prayers At Golden Temple

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Sanjay Dutt visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar with Uri Director Aditya Dhar, who's directing Dutt in his next. Accompanying them was a special guest.

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.

Tragedy could have been worse if...: Official on Haridwar stampede

Tragedy could have been worse if...: Official on Haridwar stampede

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Devotees who were already on the staircase route to the popular hilltop temple in Haridwar before the route could be shut, however, encountered a stampede that killed six people and left 28 injured, after a rumour of an electric current leak triggered panic.

'False Hindu god': US leader's remark on Hanuman statue sparks row

'False Hindu god': US leader's remark on Hanuman statue sparks row

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan claimed that the US is a Christian nation.

How To Sizzle In White

How To Sizzle In White

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

This year, Day One of Navratri is marked by white -- a colour that embodies purity, peace and new beginnings.

Woman dies after 'dupatta' gets caught in machine at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Woman dies after 'dupatta' gets caught in machine at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The victim, Rajni Khatri, was working in the bhojanshala (kitchen) when her 'dupatta' (scarf) got caught in a potato-peeling machine.

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

This is not the first time that a large number of people have died in stampedes at temples and other religious gatherings over the years in India.

'I want to thank Maa Durga...'

'I want to thank Maa Durga...'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Fondly remembering for his memorable spells at Eden Gardens, the former cricketer expressed gratitude towards the city and its people, saying he would forever cherish his bond with Kolkata.

UP woman slips to death escaping burning hotel during Nepal unrest

UP woman slips to death escaping burning hotel during Nepal unrest

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Rajesh Gola slipped and fell to her death, the long-planned pilgrimage to Pashupatinath temple in the Nepal capital gone horribly wrong for the couple from Ghaziabad.