Kanchi Shankaracharya wants temples freed from govt control

Kanchi Shankaracharya wants temples freed from govt control

Rajeev.Mani@timesofindia.com  24.02.2025

Prayagraj : Kanchi Shankaracharya on Sunday advocated for handing over temples and their properties across India to temple authorities, freeing them from govt control. “Every Kumbh in Prayagraj has raised a demand, which was fulfilled in due course — such as the demand for Ram temple raised in 2013. Now, the call to free all temples from govt control has echoed from Maha Kumbh 2025,” said Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi, the 70th Jagadguru Peethadipathi of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

 He was in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at Sangam and to attend an event at his camp in Maha Kumbh. “I demand that, firstly, all temples should be restored. Secondly, proper puja should be conducted in these temples; and thirdly, all the offerings (income) received by the temples should belong to the temples. Temples, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, along with their land, assets, and other holdings, should be the sole property of the temple concerned,” he said. 

He added that income from these temples should be used to promote Sanatan Dharma, train pupils well versed in Vedas, establish gurukuls, open gaushalas, and support classical music. “There should be a system of PPP — ‘Praja’ (devotees),‘Purohit’ (priest), and ‘Pujari’ (priest). This ‘Triveni’ will surely uplift not only the temples but also Sanatan Dharma,” he said in an exclusive conversation with TOI.

“There should be a pujari in every panchayat and a temple like Tirupati in every village,” he added. On whether youth are moving away from religious practices, he responded, “It is not true that young people are not inclined toward ‘Aastha’ (faith). I have seen many young boys and girls at Maha Kumbh, arriving in large numbers, applying tilak with full devotion. There is still ‘Aastha’ in the country; what we lack is ‘Sanstha’ (organisation) and ‘Vyavastha’ (rules and regulations).” 

He acknowledged problems faced by the country and families but emphasised the need to begin within families.

“By preserving Sanatan Dharma, we can save our democracy... when the country is safe, only then will there be peace in the world,” he said

No rooms in Prayagraj hotels even as mega event nears end

No rooms in Prayagraj hotels even as mega event nears end

Kapil.Dixit@timesofindia.com 15.02.2025

Prayagraj : Even after completion of five major snans, including three amrit snans of Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami at the ongoing Maha Kumbh there seems to be no space available for occupants in hotels. The coinciding of the ongoing Maha Kumbh and wedding season has puzzled the occupants who are running from pillar to post to get hotel rooms booked. Apart from pre-booking for the Maha Kumbh and wedding season, the majority of hotel room seekers are trying to get space within the city limits, assuming that traffic jams or other problems could play spoilsport in their celebrations if they book hotels in trans-Ganga and trans-Yamunabased hotels or marriage pandals. There are some families who have postponed marriage or other marriage related events till next month. 

For instance, one Sanjay Kumar is taking rounds of hotels to get rooms booked for his son’s marriage. Apart from the availability, the tariffs of hotels, including luxury or budget, guest houses, and paying guest facilities are also giving sleepless nights to seekers. Currently, the tariffs of rooms in hotels located in posh Civil Lines, SP Marg, MG Marg, or the railway station, are quite high since the commencement of the Maha Kumbh, and the majority of rooms in all luxury and budget hotels are booked in advance. 

On Friday, one Rahul and his family from Lucknow were searching for a hotel room with basic amenities and security in all of the city for Feb 22 as they planned to revisit the Maha Kumbh. After an online and offline search, the family found that the rooms were priced high until March 11. He said, “We are looking for affordable rooms as many of our relatives and friends have planned to visit Kumbh. We found the majority of hotel rooms booked in advance and fewer chances of getting affordable rooms.”

10 crore in 10 days: No. of pilgrims at Sangam soars

10 crore in 10 days: No. of pilgrims at Sangam soars

MAHA KUMBH PRAYAGRAJ, 2025 

Kapil.Dixit@timesofindia.com 

Prayagraj : The ongoing Maha Kumbh has crossed the 10-crore milestone for pilgrims taking a dip in Sangam since the start of the world’s biggest religious and spiritual congregation on Jan 13, the UP govt said on Thursday. “The 10-crore figure was surpassed at 12pm on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Maha Kumbh,” it said in the statement. By 8pm, the number reached 10.21 crore. On Thursday alone, over 35 lakh devotees including 10 lakh kalpwasis took the holy dip.

The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. 

Unprecedented footfall at Maha Kumbh since Day 1 

The state govt estimates that this Maha Kumbh will host over 45 crore visitors and the early achievement of 10 crore bathers reaffirms these projections. The volume of devotees was unprecedented since the first day of Maha Kumbh, and the two main snans – Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti – drew a record 1.65 crore and 3.5 crore devotees, respectively. Apart from 13 akharas, the Mela area is showcasing the country’s diverse cultural tapestry as devotees from different castes, creeds and countries unite in faith, embodying Maha Kumbh’s theme of unity. Recognised as the largest religious and spiritual congregation globally, with seers, sadhus, kalpwasis, and other devotees camping in over 1.6 lakh tents in the Mela area spread in around 4,000 hectares.

Pilgrims from the US, Canada, Germany, Russia, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, and beyond are flocking to the tent city, transforming the sandy banks of the Ganga into aglobal village. The event’s cultural and spiritual significance earned it the status of Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, further solidifying its global appeal. While the 2019 Kumbh, attended by over 24 crore devotees, was a landmark success, the Mela administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2025 Maha Kumbh even grander. 

With an emphasis on digital technology, enhanced safety measures, and cleanliness, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has infused modernity into this ancient tradition. Extensive arrangements for accommodation, dining and sanitation have been made to ensure a seamless experience for millions of visitors. The illuminated tents on the riverbanks at night create a

mesmerising spectacle while the serene environment fosters a sense of peace and spiritual solace. The sacred chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” resonate across the event, enhancing the spiritual ambience

A Vishnu temple studded with historical inscriptions

A Vishnu temple studded with historical inscriptions

Thirukannapuram is considered one of the five Krishnaranya Kshetrams, the others being Thirukannangudi, Kapisthalam, Thirukannamangai, and Thirukovilur.

Photos: Chithra Madhavan

Chithra Madhavan

06 Jan 2025, 10:56 am

Thirukannapuram a village, close to Nannilam, is well-known for its Vishnu temple enshrining the main image named Neelamegha Perumal, and the processional deity (utsava-murti) Sowriraja Perumal, after whom the temple takes its name. This temple is a Divya Desam (sacred place eulogised in the Tamil pasurams (Tamil verses) of the Azhvars or important devotees of Vishnu). Periazhvar, Andal, Kulasekhara Azhvar, Thirumangai Azhvar and Nammazhvar have sung the praise of this deity.

The name Sowriraja Perumal literally means 'Vishnu with long tresses'. According to the Sthala Puranam or traditional story of this temple, it was to save a priest of this shrine from the wrath of a king, that God Vishnu here suddenly sported long hair. Thirukannapuram is considered one of the five Krishnaranya Kshetrams, the others being Thirukannangudi, Kapisthalam, Thirukannamangai, and Thirukovilur.

This east-facing temple has a large and picturesque temple-tank called Nitya Pushkarini in front. The presiding deity, Neelamegha Perumal is in a standing pose, holding the Sankha and Chakra in the proyoga mode (discus ready to be hurled at enemies) in the upper hands while the lower right hand is in varada hasta (boon-giving gesture) and lower left hand is in uru hasta (resting on the thigh).

This image is flanked by Goddesses Sridevi (Lakshmi) and Bhudevi (Goddess of the Earth) while Garuda and Dandaka Rishi are also seen here. The presiding deity and utsava-muti are enshrined in the Utpalavadaka Vimanam. Some of the inscriptions in this temple mention the ancient name of the deity as Thirukannapurattu Azhvan and Savuri Perumal, while the name Thirukannapuram has been retained over the centuries. This village was situated in the territorial subdivision called Geyamanikka Valanadu. The main image of Goddess Lakshmi is known as Krishnapura Nayaki while the utsava-murti is called Kannapura Nayaki.

Numerous donative inscriptions have been found in this temple, many of them belonging to the Chola era. An epigraph of Vikrama Chola (1118-1135 CE) records a donation for growing red lotuses for worship in this temple. An interesting and detailed stone record belonging to the reign of Rajaraja Chola III (1216-1250 CE) mentions the lease of land to merchants on a street called 'Savuri Perumal Perunderuvu' for building shops and houses on the condition that they should pay certain taxes. . on their goods to the temple.

This order was issued while the deity was seated with consorts on the seat called 'Nambikaliyan' under the canopy of pears called 'Ravanantakan' in the Neeravi Mandapa on the fifth day of the marriage festival in the month of Chaitra, listening to the verses of Shatakopa (Nammazhvar).

2 L devout usher in New Yr with Ram Lalla’s darshan

2 L devout usher in New Yr with Ram Lalla’s darshan 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 02.01.2025

Lucknow : More than two lakh people offer prayers at Ram Temple and seek Ram Lalla’s blessings on the first day of the New Year. By late Wednesday evening, about two lakh people had completed their visit to the Ram Temple. Although the temple was scheduled to open its doors at 6:30 a.m., braving the cold wave and extreme temperatures, devotees began qu- euing up from 5 am. By 11 am, the road from the Ram Temple Janmabhoomi Math to the Hanumangarhi Temple turn, was completely choked with devotees. Anticipating a huge crowd, the temple trust allowed the formation of five darshan lines. The crowd management system is updated every few weeks based on the crowd size. The temple remained closed for only 15 minutes during the day to offer lunch to the deity. Draped in a jewel-studded green robe and golden crown, devotees kept staring at the idol as soon as they had a chance to enter the sanctum sanctorum. General secretary of the Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai said that earlier during holidays people used to visit hill stations and historical places. But the trend has changed. Now, they are visiting Ayodhya to have a ‘darshan’ of Ram Lalla.

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters 

T’gana Leaders Thank Naidu For The Decision 

Roushan.Ali@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Hyderabad : In a significant decision, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu-led govt has decided to accept four recommendation letters, two days a week, from Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. 

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy and a large number of MLAs, including ministers from the state, urged the AP govt to accept the recommendation letters of elected representatives of Telangana for the Lord’s darshan. Many MLAs from the state also complained that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was not honouring the letters issued by them for darshan to the people. 

In his letter to Revanth Reddy on Monday, Naidu stated: “We examined the issues raised by you in your letter dated Dec 16, 2024, about Srivari darshan in TTD. We took a decision on the proposal sent by you to accept the recommendation letters of Telangana’s elected representatives for darshan of Lord Venkateshwara.” “Keeping in view the cordial relations between the two Telugu states, letters from MLA, MLC, MP will be honoured any two days of a week, between Monday and Thursday for VIP break darshan of ₹500 ticket. Only two letters will be honoured. Likewise, two letters will be honoured for the special entry darshan (SED) of ₹300 ticket. For every letter, up to six devotees will be allowed for darshan,” Naidu added. 

The decision to honour the recommendation letters for darshan was taken by also considering the convenience of lakhs of devotees coming from various other states, the daily rush, and the possibility of allowing darshan without difficulty. Res ponding to the letter on X, the Telangana CMO said: “CM Revanth thanked AP CM Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters of Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Kaliyuga God Lord  Venkateshwara Swamy in TTD.

People of Telangana have an inseparable spiritual bond with Tirumala Venkateswara from centuries. Thousands of devotees from Telangana visit TTD, and that number increases every year.” Telangana council chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar thanked Chandrababu Naidu and TTD chairman B R Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters from Telangana's elected representatives.

3 crore Kumbh devotees likely to visit Ayodhya

3 crore Kumbh devotees likely to visit Ayodhya

 PREPS ON 

Arshad Afzaal Khan TNN 30.12.2024

Ayodhya : The Ram Temple Tr st and district administration are making elaborate arrangements to cater to the rush of devotees who will visit Ayodhya for ‘darshan’ of Ram Lalla after their visit to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Officials said that around 3 crore people are expected to visit Ayodhya till Feb-end. Besides Kumbh pilgrims, devotees will also visit Ayodhya in large numbers in Jan to attend the first anniversary celebrations of the consecration of Ram Lalla.

The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation is taking several measures to provide relief to people from cold. A tent city is being set and night shelters are being arranged at various locations for devotees. Ayodhya mayor G irish Pati Tripathi said, “At least 3 crore people ar e lik- ely to visit Ayodhya after attending Maha Kumbh in Pray agraj. Ever since the inaugura tion of Ram Temple, the municipal corporation has bee n maintaining high standards of cleanliness.”

 “Arrangements for drinking water, e-buses, golf carts, and decorative lights are being made,” he said. The mayor added that around one lakh people visit Ayodhya daily but on New Year’s Day, the nu mber could go up to 4-5 lakh. Anil Mishra, a member of the Ram Janma bhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said: “After the consecration of Ram Lalla on Jan 22, the trust established an organized system for devotees coming to Ayodhya from across the country and the world. Visitors enter through seven lines at the entrance, and at the traveler facility centre, devotees can store their mobile phones, bags, and other belongings. A big h ll has been prepared to accommodate more than 2,000 people.”

Huge rush expected in Ayodhya around New Year, all hotels booked till Jan 15

Huge rush expected in Ayodhya around New Year, all hotels booked till Jan 15

 Arshad Afzaal Khan | TNN 28.12.2024 

Ayodhya : Hotel accommodations have been overbooked in Ayodhya for Ram Temple darshan on Jan 1, as the temple trust has extended visiting hours and implemented comprehensive arrangements to manage the anticipated surge of devotees. Nearly all lodgings in Ayodhya and Faizabad are fully reserved through the first fortnight of the New Year. Managing director of Ayodhya’s newly built hotel Maan Avadh, Vishal Ganjoor, said, “We are ready to welcome the devotees in the New Year. All our rooms are sold out till Jan 15. People are upbeat about beginning the New Year with the blessings of Lord Ram.” 

According to the temple trust, since the consecration ceremony, more than 3 crore devotees from across the nation and overseas have visited Ram Lalla, with December 25 alone recording 1.33 lakh foot fall at the temple. An average of 80,000 devotees have visited the Ram temple daily since the consecration ceremony. 

Robust security, Robust security in place in Ayodhya Although the Hindu new year begins in Chaitra month (March-April), a number of devotees want to begin the Georgian new year with a glimpse of Ram Lalla,” said Ramakant Tiwari, a local priest. Ayodhya SSP Rajkaran Nayyar said that there will be robust security arrangements at Ram temple, Hanumangarhi, Lata Chowk, Guptar Ghat, Surajkund, and other tourist spots for the New Year.

Devotee's iPhone slips into hundi, temple staff say it's deity's

Devotee's iPhone slips into hundi, temple staff say it's deity's 

Sindhu Kannan TNN 21.12.2024 

Chennai : In Tamil movie Palayathamman, a woman accidentally drops her baby into a shrine's hundi (donation box) and the child becomes “temple property”. At Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple near Chennai's Thiruporur, a devotee accidentally dropped an iPhone into the hundi. The result is the same: this temple, too, has claimed the phone as its property. Dinesh, a devotee from Vinayagapuram, had to return home empty-handed on Friday as the temple authorities said anything dropped into the hundi belongs to the deity. They, however, offered to give him the SIM card and to let him download data from the phone. 

Dinesh had visited the temple with his family a month ago when he went to drop some money in the hundi. Dinesh says that while he was pulling out currency notes from his shirt pocket, his iPhone accidentally fell into the bag. Since the hundi was placed at a height, he could not retrieve the phone. Panic-stricken, Dinesh approached the temple authorities. They reiterated their stance and cited tradition that the hundi is opened only once in two months. Dinesh filed a complaint with the HR and CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) officials, requesting to be informed when the hundi would be opened. When the temple authorities eventually opened the hundi on Friday, Dinesh rushed to retrieve his phone, only to be told the device would remain in the temple's custody and the return of the SIM card. Dinesh, though, had already obtained a new SIM and left it to the authorities to decide on his plea to return the phone. Temple executive officer Kumaravel said the tradition of treating anything dropped in the hundi as belonging to the deity would be followed and that the phone would be retained

Biryani lunch on temple premises: HC for appropriate action

Biryani lunch on temple premises: HC for appropriate action 

PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE  18.10.2024

Kochi : The high court on Thursday directed the administrative committee of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to take appropriate action against those responsible for conducting a biryani lunch at the temple’s Mathilakam office. The bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P G Ajith Kumar, while disposing of petitions seeking action against the temple’s executive officer, emphasized that merely terminating the service of temporary staff is insufficient. 

They added that such activities cannot be permitted in the Mathilakam office, which is part of the temple premises. Petitioners C Sajith and Babilu Sankar had filed petitions citing that a biryani lunch was held on July 6 at the Mathilakam office, located in the Ulsava Madom Buildings adjacent to the North Nada of the temple, violating the temple’s customs and rituals. They alleged that chicken biryani was served to staff to celebrate the appointment of an employee’s child to a govt position. 

The petitioners claimed that the non-vegetarian meal was organized under the supervision of the executive officer and sought his removal. Photographs of the food packets were also produced as evidence. Upon reviewing the petitions, the bench noted that the chief vigilance officer’s report on the incident is still pending before the temple’s administrative committee. As a result, the court declined to consider the contentions raised, stating that it is up to the administrative committee to make an appropriate decision.

The bench clarified that the petitioners cannot seek such relief through a writ petition. However, the bench assured that necessary directions would be provided to prevent such incidents from recurring on the temple premises.

Officials hold inquiry at Isha Yoga Center after Madras HC directive

Officials hold inquiry at Isha Yoga Center after Madras HC directive

The petitioner had accused the Foundation of abusing certain persons by brainwashing them into becoming monks.

The Hindu Bureau

COIMBATORE 02.10.2024 

Police personnel and officials of the Social Welfare Department conducted an inquiry at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore on Tuesday, a day after the Madras High Court directed the police to submit a status report on the allegations raised by a petitioner against the Isha Foundation.

District Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan, District Social Welfare Officer R. Ambika, and members of the District Child Protection Unit and District Child Welfare Committee visited the Center for inquiry, which began around 10 a.m. and continued till the night.

Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam of the High Court ordered the inquiry while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, whose daughters had joined the Foundation. The two women appeared before the court on Monday.

The petitioner had accused the Foundation of abusing certain persons by brainwashing them into becoming monks, and not even allowing their parents and relatives to meet them. The petitioner had also submitted that a criminal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was registered against a doctor who worked at the institution, on the charge of molesting 12 schoolgirls. His counsel had submitted that several other criminal cases were registered too.

“In view of the serious nature of the allegations raised against the institution, and the manner in which the detenues have spoken before us, we could form an opinion that some more deliberations are required to understand the truth...,” the judges had said in their order on Monday, tasking the Additional Public Prosecutor to submit a report on October 4.

As per the order, an affidavit of the petitioner stated that his elder daughter contacted him over the phone on June 15 this year and informed that his younger daughter would be fasting unto death till the petitioner gave up his litigation against the Center. The court directed the Coimbatore Rural Police to conduct an inquiry and file the status report.

Foundation responds

A statement issued by a spokesperson of the Foundation on Tuesday said, “We do not ask people to get married or take up monkhood...Isha Foundation was founded by Sadhguru [Jaggi Vasudev] to impart yoga and spirituality to people. We believe that adults, individual human beings have the freedom and wisdom to choose their path. We do not ask people to get married or take up monkhood as these are individual choices. The Isha Yoga Center is home to thousands who are not monks, and a few who have taken up brahmacharya or monkhood...”

The statement further pointed out that the monks had presented themselves before the court, and said they were staying at the Center out of their own volition. “Now that the matter is seized by the court, we hope that the truth will prevail and there is an end to the unnecessary controversies...”

It alleged that the petitioner, along with others, tried trespassing into the institution’s premises on the pretext of being a ‘fact-finding committee’ to inquire about the facts surrounding the crematorium being constructed by the Isha Foundation, and then filed a criminal complaint against the people of the Isha Yoga Center. The High Court has granted a stay on the submission of the final report by the police. Apart from this, there is no other criminal case against the foundation, it added.

When Jaggi Vasudev’s daughter is married and well-settled in life, why is he encouraging other women to live like hermits, ask Madras High Court judges

When Jaggi Vasudev’s daughter is married and well-settled in life, why is he encouraging other women to live like hermits, ask Madras High Court judges

Mohamed Imranullah S.

CHENNAI 01.10.2024 

When Jaggi Vasudev, alias Sadhguru, of Isha Foundation had got his daughter married and ensured that she was well-settled in life, why was he encouraging other young women to tonsure their heads, renounce worldly life, and live like hermits at his yoga centres, asked Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam of the Madras High Court on Monday.

The judges raised the question during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by S. Kamaraj, 69, a retired professor of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore. The petitioner had claimed that two of his well-educated daughters, aged 42 and 39, respectively, had been “brainwashed” into living at the Isha Yoga Centre permanently. Both the alleged detainees, however, appeared before the Division Bench on Monday and made it clear that they were residing at the yoga centre on the Velliangiri foothills in Coimbatore of their own volition.

Nevertheless, after interacting with them, the judges decided to probe the issue further.

Surprised by their decision, advocate K. Rajendra Kumar, representing Isha Foundation, said the court could not expand the scope of the case. However, Justice Subramaniam said the court, exercising the writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution, was expected to do complete justice, and it was necessary to get to the bottom of the case.

The judge also said the court had certain doubts regarding the case. When the advocate sought to know what they were, Justice Sivagnanam said, “We want to know why a person who had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life is encouraging the daughters of others to tonsure their heads and live the life of a hermitess.”

When the advocate replied that an adult was free to choose their own path in life, and that he could not understand the court’s doubt, Justice Subramaniam said, “You will not understand because you are appearing for a particular party. But this court is neither for nor against anybody. We only want to do justice to the litigants.”

When the petitioner’s daughters sought to make their submissions, the senior judge in the Bench said, “You claim to be on the path of spirituality. Don’t you think that neglecting your parents is a sin? We could see so much of hatred in you for your parents.”

On being told by the petitioner’s counsel, M. Purushothaman, that there were multiple criminal cases involving Isha Foundation, and that recently, a doctor serving there had been booked under the POCSO Act, the judges directed Additional Public Prosecutor E. Raj Thilak to file a status report by October 4, listing all the cases related to the foundation.

In his affidavit, the petitioner said his elder daughter had obtained her engineering degree in mechatronics in 2003 and pursued M.Tech from a popular university in the U.K. She got a job in the same university and was drawing around ₹1 lakh a month in 2004. She married a man based out of the U.S. in 2007, but they got divorced in 2008. She then began attending yoga classes at Isha Foundation. 

Following in her footsteps, the petitioner’s younger daughter, a software engineer, began residing at the yoga centre, the petitioner said. He said that life had been “hell” for him and his 63-year-old wife ever since their daughters “abandoned” them. He alleged that some kind of food and medicine was being administered to his daughters, which made them lose their cognitive faculties.

As Gaya pind daan goes online, tech vs tradition fight unfolds

As Gaya pind daan goes online, tech vs tradition fight unfolds

29.09.2024 TIMES OF INDIA 

Gayawal Pandas have for generations maintained records of the family antecedents of all their patrons. Now, as many choose online pind daan for their ancestors, the community fights to keep its hold over the path to moksha Manoj Chaurasia & Poulomi Banerjee | TNN

 When NRI Baljit Singh Kanda visited Gaya from Canada earlier this year to perform pind daan for his ancestors, his biggest worry was the missing details. All he knew was that his ancestors were from a village in Punjab’s Jalandhar. But who were they? What were their names? Kanda was referred to Heeranath Darhiwale, a priest or panda. Heeranath had all the details in handwritten ledgers locked in a steel almirah. After that it was a breeze. Kanda could perform the rituals he had come here for, and went back to Canada a happy man. Pind daan is a ritualistic offering made to liberate an ancestor’s soul from the eternal cycle of rebirth. And, according to Hindus, Gaya is the best place for that. This Bihar town is named after the mythological character Gayasura, an asura killed by Vishnu. It is believed Gayasur had received the boon that if people perform pind daan here, the souls of their ancestors will attain moksha. It is now, during the ongoing annual Pitrapaksha Mela — a 16-day period before Navratri dedicated to paying homage to the departed — that Gaya sees its biggest crowds. 

An estimated 20 lakh people offer pind daan here during this period. The Falgu river, the Vishnupad temple and the Akshay Vat tree are believed to be the most holy spots for the ritual, in a list of 54 such. The Gayawal Pandas, a community of Brahmins who believe they were born of Brahma’s image, claim exclusive right to conducting last rites and pind daan rituals in the city, and for generations have maintained records of the antecedents of their clients. Different families of Gayawal Pandas 9/29/24, 9:50 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 1/6 are said to have traditionally served those from different regions of the country, with many claim ing to have records dating back 300 years. In recent years, however, the pandas are finding their exclusive hold challenged by technology. For years having scoffed at even digitising their records, fearing they will be hacked, they now have to contend with something which has come to be known as online or ‘e’ pind daan’. 

This involves a representative, usually a Brahmin appointed by a panda or religious body or service provider, performing the ritual in Gaya for a person keen to do pind daan here, but unable to travel. Bookings are received over the phone, WhatsApp, email or through a website, and the client either joins in on video call, or receives a video recording and photos of the procedure later. Custodian Of Records The family of Heeranath Darhiwale, who solved the problems of Kanda of Canada, has been conducting pind daan rituals of those from undivided Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh for generations. He claims to have handwritten records dating back 250 years. “Pilgrims get emotional seeing the address details and signatures of their ancestors in the ledgers,” says Darhiwale. The records are maintained under three categories — an alphabetical index of the village and region of patrons and visitors, their signatures with address details and details of profession and workplace.These are neatly bound in red cloth and stored in steel almirahs, to be passed down generations of pandas. 

According to Mahesh Guput, a senior member of the community who attends to pilgrims coming from Delhi, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, the pandas have to be on constant alert to ensure that the record books are not destroyed by white ants, moisture or other weather conditions. “We occasionally dry the records in the sun, spread neem leaves or use other antibacterial drugs to preserve them,” says Guput, 72. Shambhu Lal Bitthal, the chairman of the Vishnupad Temple Management Committee, points to a 142-year-old record of an Assam resident. He also shows the laminated authority letters purportedly given by the then Queen of Baroda and Gaekwad Estate to maintain the records of their families. “They (handwritten records) are our lifeline, and also the source of joy for pilgrims,” says Bitthal, who attends to those from Gujarat and the North-East. @Ease Of Moksha 

In a town that prides itself on history, the concept of online pind daan has proved to be something of a thorn in the flesh for many. “If I show you the photo or video of a glass of water, will it quench your thirst?” asks Gajadhar Lal Pathak, secretary, Sri Vishnupad Management Committee, Gaya. The point he wants to make is that those who want their ancestors to attain moksha need to make the journey to Gaya to perform pind daan. There can be no short cut to moksha. Traditionally, clients reach out to their panda before arriving in Gaya and the panda not only performs the pind daan but also takes care of everything else, from their stay to food to buying the puja materials. But not only are some choosing to go the online way for pind daan now, but turning to apps and portals to make the arrangements for them even if they do want to visit the town to perform the ritual in person. Pitradev.com, founded by Varanasi-based Shashank Mishra 10 years back is one such, which claims to act as a bridge between pandas and those seeking to perform ritualistic ceremonies in the holy towns of Prayagraj, Varanasi, Haridwar, Gaya and Nashik. Services offered include pind daan, ashthi visarjan (the immersion of ashes after cremation of the deceased) and shraadh (lastrite rituals) — both for those seeking to perform the rites in person, as well as online services for those who can’t travel. For online pind daan, the Pitradev. com website mentions:

 “In Gaya pind daan online is not recommended because Gaya is final destination for pind daan… it is always recommended to go physically to Gaya.” Still, Mishra admits to getting requests and has helped a few clients perform online pind daan in the Bihar city. ‘We Were The First’ On its portal pinddaangaya.bihar.gov. in, one of the packages the Bihar govt offers for the 2024 Pitrapaksha Mela is online pind daan. “We were the first to offer the service in 2016-17,” claims a source in the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). Priced at Rs 21,500 plus taxes, the package for 2024 includes the dues of the panda and pandit, the cost of commodities required for pind daan at the three spots of Vishnupad Temple, Akshay Vat and Falgu river and the cost of video recording the procedure and pen drive. “Those interested contact us with family details. We then reach out to a panda who appoints a Brahmin as representative for the family doing the pind daan, and performs the rituals,” says the source, adding that five days into the 2024 Pitrapaksha Mela, the BSTDC had already received  about seven-eight requests for online pind daan. The service is also provided by the Gaya centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). “The families join in on Zoom call, while a representative (Brahmin) here performs the rituals on their behalf,” says Jagdish Shyam Das, president, ISKON Gaya, adding: “There is no fixed charge, patrons pay what he can for the service.” There are also apps that live stream pujas — such as pind daan in Gaya. Those interested can make a booking, send in their family details and participate online.

Jagan calls off temple visit as war of words with Naidu intensifies

Jagan calls off temple visit as war of words with Naidu intensifies 

Samdani.MN & Srikanth.Aluri 28.09.2024

Vijayawada : Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called off a planned visit to Tirupati temple Friday amid heightened tension and protests by several religious organisations which joined governing TDP in demanding that he sign a declaration form for nonHindus. Jagan also claimed a police notice denying him permission for the visit, something CM N Chandrababu Naidu dismissed as a “blatantlie”. The events unfolded against the backdrop of the controversy over supply of ghee allegedly adulterated with animal fat in making the sacred laddu prasadam at the temple when Jagan was CM. 

The YSRCP chief was to reach Tirumala, where the hill shrine to Lord Venkateswara is located, Friday evening and offer prayers early Saturday. Jagan lashed out at Naidu and his allies for turning his temple visit into a “big controversy”. If Naidu-led “vested interests” could create hurdles for a former CM who visited the temple about 10 times in the past for darshan, what would be the fate of the poor and Dalits when they visit the temple, Jagan wondered. Jagan also wanted to know why TDP and its allies did not seek any declaration from him when he accompanied the PM, President and the Chief Justice of India to the temple as CM. “Humanity is my religion. I am ready to give a declaration in this format. I read the Bible within the four walls of my residence. I practise and respect other religions, including Hinduism, once I come out. What else do they want?” he asked. Jagan pointed out that his father, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, ex-CM, was blessed to present silk robes to Lord Venkateswara for five years. 

Jagan claimed local police had issued notices to several former legislators and YSRCP leaders in the wake of his planned visit, saying he did not have permission to visit Tirumala. Naidu challenged Jagan to show the notice and alleged the YSRCP chief cancelled his visit as he was not willing to sign the declaration form for devotees of other faiths. 

Naidu said that law enforcement agencies had invoked laws restricting some activities in the area “in view of recent developments” but clarified that no specific notice was issued to Jagan

Tirupati laddu ghee had pig & beef fat, fish oil: Lab report released by AP govt

Tirupati laddu ghee had pig & beef fat, fish oil: Lab report released by AP govt

 Sandeep.Raghavan@timesofindia.com

 Tirupati : A laboratory analysis of samples of cow ghee, supplied to the Tirumala temple trust for making its famous Tirupati laddu prasadam during the term of the YSRCP govt in Andhra Pradesh, has revealed presence of foreign fats including lard (clarified pig fat), tallow (beef fat) and fish oil. The report was made public by the TDP govt on Thursday. The samples also contained fats from vegetable sources like coconut, linseed, rapeseed and cottonseed. 

The analysis was conducted on July 23 after the govt received complaints of change in taste of the laddu prasadam. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu had sparked a controversy on Wednesday when he told NDA allies that animal fat had been found in the ghee supplied for the laddus when YSRCP governed the state. YSRCP had reacted angrily, denying the allegations and claiming it to be one of Naidu’s political stunts. The analysis by the Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), however, comes with a caveat — there can be chances of false positive results in certain circumstances. 

The report has listed several conditions where a result could go wrong, including in cases like overfeeding cows with feed rich in vegetable oils, underfeeding cows or the milk being subjected to technological treatments like removal of cholesterol. The report is silent whether the adulterants were deliberately added or crept in through feeding conditions and other factors. Naidu’s allegation and the NDDB’s report have shocked millions of devotees of Lord Venkateswara across the globe as the Tirupati laddus are considered Maha Prasadam and carry a high sentimental value. 

The TDP govt had in June appointed senior IAS officer J Syamala Rao as the new executive  officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple complex. As part of streamlining measures, an inquiry was ordered into the alleged poor quality, taste and texture of the laddus. TTD constituted an expert committee to look into the quality of the prasadam. Apart from suggesting several measures to TTD to restore the taste and quality, the committee also sent samples of the ghee to NDDB in Gujarat. The lab reports, issued in July, confirmed the presence of foreign fats. TTD returned the ghee stocks supplied by AR Dairy Foods, Dindigul, in Tamil Nadu and blacklisted the contractor. Then, TTD selected Karnataka Milk Federation to supply the ghee

Tirumala laddu had animal fat in Jagan’s term: Naidu

Tirumala laddu had animal fat in Jagan’s term: Naidu

Poor Quality Ghee Used To Prepare ‘Prasadam’ 

Srikanth.Aluri@timesofindia.com  19.09.2024

Vijayawada : Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday sparked a controversy by alleging that animal fat was mixed in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirumala laddu during the term of the previous YSRCP govt led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. YSRCP denied the allegations and said Naidu was making wild statements for political reasons. Naidu said that he was astonished to find that poor quality material was used to prepare Lord Venkateswara’s ‘prasadam’. He made the comments during an NDA meeting here marking 100 days of his govt. 

The temple trust prepares about 3 lakh laddus daily and the ‘prasadam’ is held in high regard by devotees. Terming Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and Lord Venkateswara the greatest asset of the people of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said the NDA govt is taking all measures to restore the sanctity of the temple. “They (YSRCP govt) have spoiled the quality of the free food service and did not even leave Lord Venkateswara’s laddu by using substandard ingredients,” he said. 

During YSRCP’s tenure in govt, TTD had given the ghee supply contract to a private contractor, replacing the ‘Nandini’ brand of ghee, a product of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Following the change in supplier, there were several complaints over the quality of the laddu. The NDA govt on Aug 29 signed a contract once again with KMF for ghee. TTD uses about 10,000 kg of ghee every day for the laddu ‘prasadam.’ Senior YSRCP leader, Y V Subba Reddy, who was the TTD chairman during YSRCP’s term, took to X and defended his party saying that Naidu had committed a sin by hurting the  sentiments of millions of Hindus. He said the chief minister made false comments for political gains.

Elderly, ailing pilgrims should avoid rush: Das

Elderly, ailing pilgrims should avoid rush: Das

Nov 21, 2023, 04.44 AM IST

Bhubaneswar: After drawing flak from different quarters over the queue management system at the Puri Jagannath Temple, its chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das on Monday advised elderly and ailing devotees to refrain from visiting the shrine during huge rush.

Das said God is omnipresent and can be invoked by devotees from any place. He said such devotees should visit the temple when the rush is less.

“I appeal to the elderly devotees suffering from ailments not to take the risk of visiting the temple during the rush hours. God can hear their prayers from anywhere. Out of excitement, they should not stand among huge crowds. Unlike a 25-year-old youth, they lack strength to stand in a queue for a longer period,” Das said.

The temple administration said it would hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the darshan system. “We will update devotees about the real-time status of the rituals through public address systems from Singha Dwar to Marchikot Chowk so they can plan their visits accordingly,” Das said.

Devotees said the shrine administration should not restrict the access of elderly people. “We too want to offer prayers. The administration should find a solution and make arrangements for us,” said Shyamaprasad Swain, an elderly devotee.

Long Puri temple queues test devotees

Long Puri temple queues test devotees

Nov 21, 2023, 04.46 AM IST

Bhubaneswar: “I will never ever visit the Jagannath Temple after such a bitter and horrible experience,” said Manorama Hota, 75, a devotee from Cuttack after she almost fainted in a queue while waiting for over three hours outside the shrine on Monday. Fourteen-year-old devotee Susama Maharana from Kendrapada was rushed to Puri district headquarters hospital as she fainted while waiting in the queue for several hours.

Like Hota and Maharana, countless devotees face untold suffering for a hassle-free darshan almost every day. Monday was no different with queues stretching up to two km from Market Square to the temple. The intense torture often starts when thousands of devotees are asked to wait in multiple queues outside the temple until they get a green signal from the authorities to enter the shrine.

As per the existing crowd management, devotees are made to wait outside the temple for hours until pilgrims inside the shrine premises move out. “We are forced to block the flow of devotees outside the temple for some time so that others leave the premises. Devotees are being allowed inside the temple in phases. This regulation is being done only when we witness huge footfall of devotees. The Supreme Court directed the government to introduce queue management system. If we allow thousands of devotees in groups at a time, there would be stampede-like situations,” a temple police officer said.

While about 30,000 devotees visit the temple on a normal day, the footfall increases to about 1 lakh during the ongoing holy Kartika month. Most of the visitors are elderly women, who observe kartika brata. Devotees demand better management of the darshan system. “We have no issues with the queue management system. But people in the queues should be allowed to move on instead of being forced to remain stagnant for three to five hours,” said Niranjan Mishra, a devotee from Balasore.

Rashmi Dey, a devotee from Kolkata, said temples in other states have better facilities than Puri. “We waited for three hours in the queue outside the temple. There are no drinking water and toilet facilities. The system should improve,” Dey said.

TIRUPATHI

 

TIRUMALA