religious traditions
Supreme Court Questions Practice of Special Pujas for the Wealthy at Bankey Bihari Temple: Deity's Rest Time at Stake
Dec 15, 2025 08:39 pm CST
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns over wealthy individuals purchasing special pujas at Bankey Bihari Ji Temple in Vrindavan, disrupting the deity's sacred rest periods. The court is examining a petition challenging recent changes to darshan timings and traditional practices, highlighting tensions between commercial interests and religious traditions. A high-powered committee currently manages the temple while constitutional questions regarding state control await resolution by the Allahabad High Court.
Madras High Court Summons Tamil Nadu Officials in Thirupparankundram Temple Lamp Lighting Dispute
Dec 10, 2025 02:45 am CST
The Madras High Court has summoned top Tamil Nadu officials in the ongoing Thirupparankundram temple lamp lighting controversy. Justice GR Swaminathan directed the Chief Secretary and Additional Director-General of Police to appear via video conference on December 17 following allegations that authorities failed to comply with court orders regarding the lighting of a festival lamp on an ancient pillar during the Karthigai Deepam festival.
Tamil Nadu Court Battle: Thirupparankundram Deepam Controversy Continues as DMK Defends Traditional Practices
Dec 05, 2025 03:23 am CST
The Madras High Court has dismissed Tamil Nadu government's appeal in the Thirupparankundram Deepam contempt case, allowing the petitioner to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam on the ancient hilltop pillar under police protection. The DMK party maintains this is not a setback, claiming they are protecting local Hindu traditions while the petitioners are disconnected from community practices. The religious dispute centers around the proper location for lighting the ceremonial lamp during the important Hindu festival celebrating light over darkness.
Turban Dispute Escalates to Physical Confrontation Between Priests at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain
Oct 23, 2025 01:56 am CST
A religious controversy erupted at Ujjain's Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple when two priests clashed over traditional headgear in the sanctum sanctorum. The incident, captured on video, shows a dispute between Mahant Mahavir Nath wearing a traditional saffron turban and priest Mahesh Sharma who objected citing temple protocol prohibiting headgear in Lord Mahakal's presence. Temple officials have launched an investigation as the religious community remains divided over proper adherence to sacred traditions.
Swami Prasad Maurya Sparks Controversy: Questions Practicality of Lakshmi Worship Amid India's Poverty Crisis
Oct 22, 2025 02:43 pm CST
Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party president Swami Prasad Maurya has created controversy by questioning the effectiveness of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth when 80 crore Indians rely on subsidized food. He suggests honoring household women as "Ghar ki Lakshmi" instead, while clarifying he respects religious traditions. His comments highlight tensions between traditional religious practices and pragmatic approaches to India's economic challenges during the Diwali festival season.
Nepal's Ancient Kumari Tradition: Two-Year-Old Aryatara Shakya Becomes New Living Goddess During Dashain Festival
Sep 30, 2025 07:15 pm CST
A 2-year-old girl named Aryatara Shakya has been selected as Nepal's new Kumari or living goddess during the country's most significant Hindu festival, Dashain. Following ancient traditions, she will live in a temple palace, bless devotees including the president, and maintain a secluded life until puberty. Recent reforms now allow Kumaris to receive education and government pensions after their service.
Ancient Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar Preserves Unique Bloodless Sacrifice Tradition
Sep 29, 2025 06:34 pm CST
Discover the fascinating ritual at Bihar's ancient Maa Mundeshwari Temple where devotees offer goats in a unique bloodless sacrifice. Dating back to 625 BC, this temple on Pawara Hill performs a mystical ceremony where goats temporarily lose consciousness when placed before the deity, only to awaken after priests sprinkle rice and flowers, symbolizing a humane alternative to traditional animal sacrifice that attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad.