Latest news with #Janmashtami
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple priests threaten to 'relocate Thakurji' over corridor redevelopment plan
AGRA: Priests of the centuries-old Banke Bihari temple in Mathura, who are opposed to the proposed 'redevelopment plan for the Banke Bihari corridor in Vrindavan', alleged on Monday, that if govt does not heed their concerns, they will relocate the Banke Bihari deity to another site. The latest development came after a series of protests by the Goswami community members and locals against the proposed corridor and the creation of the Banke Bihari temple trust by the state govt. Ghanshyam Goswami, 60, a member of the management committee, said, "The problem is that the govt wants to turn this place of faith into a picnic spot. The Banke Bihari Trust was formed without consulting us. We're open to suggestions for improving the management of the temple but if this situation continues, we'll not hesitate to move Thakurji out of the temple. This temple was founded by our forefathers, and the customs and traditions here date back to the 19th century. " The Supreme Court, in its May 15 verdict, permitted the UP govt to continue with the 'Rs 500 cr redevelopment plan for the Shri Banke Bihari temple corridor in Vrindavan'. The project, approved by the bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice SC Sharma, enables the state to utilise temple funds to acquire about 5 acres of land near the shrine. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident took place during the Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, which resulted in two fatalities. In Sept 2023, Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan to manage crowds and ensure safety. Although the state said it engaged with all stakeholders, Shebaits and local residents have claimed they were excluded from discussions. On Monday, Agra's divisional commissioner Shailendra Kumar Singh, Mathura DM Chandra Prakesh Singh, Agra range DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey and additional officials held a meeting with the stakeholders to seek a resolution. Shailendra Kumar Singh said, "The proposed corridor has been cleared by the SC. The locals have raised some issues, and we have reached out to them. In the issues related to the temple, we ensured that no change will be there to the customs and traditions of the temple. Shopkeepers had doubts related to compensation, and we cleared them. The streets in and around the temple are narrow and unsuitable for the influx of people who visit the temple daily, so this corridor will be beneficial for all the stakeholders. "
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: When is Janmashtami? Know Date and Significance
Janmashtami holds a great religious immense importance among Hindus. This festival is observed by all Krishna devotees across the globe. The day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna, who was born on this auspicious day. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna was born during auspicious Nakshatra of Rohini that holds special meaning. This will be 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on two consecutive days, August 15 and 16, 2025. Janmashtami 2025: Date and Time Ashtami Tithi Begins - August 15, 2025 - 11:49 PM Ashtami Tithi Ends - August 16, 2025 - 09:34 PM Rohini Nakshatra Begins - August 17, 2025 - 04:38 AM Rohini Nakshatra Ends - August 18, 2025 - 03:17 AM Nishita Puja Time - August 16, 2025 - 12:03 AM to 12:46 AM Parana Time - August 16, 2025 - after 09:34 PM Parana Day Ashtami Tithi - 09:34 PM Mid Night Moment - August 16, 2025 - 12:25 AM Chandrodaya Moment - 10:45 PM Krishna Dashami Mid Night Moment - August 16, 2025 - 12:25 AM Chandrodaya Moment - 10:45 PM Krishna Dashami Janmashtami Festival: Significance The festival of Krishna Janmashtami holds an immense importance in Hindu Religion. It is celebrated with great splendor throughout the nation. Lord Krishna, regarded as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is greatly revered by all Krishna devotees. He was born to Devaki Mata and Vasudeva. Despite facing dire circumstances, Mother Devaki gave birth to Lord Krishna at midnight while they were imprisoned by the demon Kansa. Kansa, who was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle, was killed by him. Krishna Janmashtami: Puja Rituals 1. Devotees rise early in the morning and take a bath. 2. They clean their homes and the puja area, adorning it with flowers, balloons, and lights. 3. Devotees give bath to Laddoo Gopal ji and adorn him with new clothes, jewellery, peacock feathers. 4. They apply chandan tilak and present flowers, a variety of sweets, and panchamrit. 5. On this sacred day, devotees sing bhajans and recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita. 6. They dedicate the entire day to Lord Krishna and chant various mantras. 7. People commemorate this day with immense joy and celebration. Mantra 1. Om Kleem Krishnaye Namah..!! 2. Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"If States Start Entering Private Disputes...": Top Court To UP In Banke Bihari Temple Case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Uttar Pradesh government for "hijacking" the litigation between two private parties in a plea pertaining to the management of the famous Shri Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma said if the state government starts entering into a private dispute between parties it will result in breakdown of rule of law. "Was a state a party to the proceedings? In what capacity has the state entered the dispute? If states start entering into a private dispute between parties, there will be a total breakdown of law. You can't hijack the litigation. In a private litigation between two parties, state filing an impleadment application and hijacking it is not permissible," the bench observed. The top court was hearing a plea seeking the modification of its order approving the Uttar Pradesh government's proposed redevelopment scheme for the Banke Bihari temple using temple funds Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner Devendra Nath Goswami - who said he belonged to the Raj Bhog branch of the Shebaits and claimed direct descent from Swami Sri Hari Das Ji Goswami, the temple's 16th century founder - submitted that fund of Rs 300 crore has been given to the Uttar Pradesh government without making us the party. "How can you by an order in another petition direct that earning of a private temple be handed over to the state," Mr Sibal asked. The counsel appearing for the UP government informed the top court that the state has formed a trust to manage the temple and oversee work on the proposed corridor. Entire money would rest with the trust, not with the government by virtue of the enactment, said the UP government's lawyer. "People have died in temple," said the UP government lawyer, spotlighting the pinched streets around the temple and underlining that building a corridor is essential. The top court directed the counsel for the state government to give a copy of the ordinance passed with regard to the trust to the petitioner and directed the concerned principal secretary to file an affidavit by July 29. Built in 1862, the Banke Bihari temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in northern India. It is managed by Shebaits, a hereditary priesthood that oversees daily rituals and temple administration. The demand for redevelopment arose after a stampede-like incident occurred during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, resulting in two deaths. In September 2023, the Allahabad High Court directed the UP government to develop a corridor plan to manage crowd pressure and ensure safety. Earlier this month, on May 15, the top court paved the way for the state government's scheme to develop the temple corridor for the benefit of scores of devotees. It then allowed the state government's plea to utilise the temple funds only for the purchase of 5-acre land around the temple to create a holding area. On May 19, petitioner Goswami said unchecked development could "irreversibly" alter the religious and cultural fabric of the "temple precinct".
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prachi Pisat accuses Sudesh Mhashilkar of sending her inappropriate messages through social media; attaches screenshots
Marathi actress Prachi Pisat has taken to her social media handle to share some inappropriate messages she received from actor Sudesh Mhashilkar. The actress shared a screenshot of the messages he sent to her, which has sparked widespread discussion among fans and netizens. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now check out the post here: On Sunday, took to her Instagram account to expose the disturbing content of these messages, providing screenshots as evidence. One such message in Marathi said: 'Tuza number pathav na. Tuzyashi flirt karaychi ichha zaly… Kasli goad disteys" (Send me your number. I feel like flirting with you… You look so sweet). Another message from the actor read: 'Khupach sexy disayla lagliyes halli… Waah" (You've started looking very sexy lately… Wow). These screenshots quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from fans and peers within the Marathi film and television fraternity. Prachi Desai clicked at airport; wishes her fans on Janmashtami A fter the issue made headlines, Prachi revealed that she had faced pressure to delete her initial post and remain silent on the matter. 'Just because I was bullied and pressured to delete the post and keep my mouth shut… I think this post deserves to be on my Insta feed," she shared. On May 26, Prachi expressed gratitude towards the media for their support through her Instagram stories. 'Dear media channels and accounts, thank you so much for your kindness and support. Please note: I haven't made any accusations. I just shared screenshots and my response. Please don't use the wrong words. You guys are wonderful — just a request: I hope you don't mislead while supporting," she wrote. At the same time, Sudesh Mhashilkar has yet to respond to or clarify the allegations.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple panel opposes corridor clearance, SC to hear plea
1 2 Agra: Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging its May 15 verdict that allowed Uttar Pradesh govt to go ahead with a Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan for the Shri Banke Bihari temple corridor in Vrindavan. The review petition, filed by a member of the temple management, said the decision was made without consulting stakeholders and risked damaging the temple's sacred character. Devendra Nath Goswami, a senior temple administrator, filed the petition on May 19. An SC bench of chief justice B R Gavai and justice Augustine George Masih took up the matter on May 20. They said, "We will list it," indicating that the case will be heard in detail. Senior advocate Ashutosh Jha appeared for Goswami. The Banke Bihari temple, built in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in northern India. It is managed by Shebaits, a hereditary priesthood that oversees daily rituals and temple administration. Goswami told the court that he was not given a chance to be heard before SC passed its May 15 ruling. "I was not even informed, let alone consulted," he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "This is a violation of the religious and administrative traditions that have guided this temple for centuries." Goswami said he belonged to the Raj Bhog branch of the Shebaits and claimed direct descent from Swami Sri Hari Das Ji Goswami, the temple's 16th-century founder. "My family has been looking after this temple for more than 500 years," he said. The redevelopment plan, approved by a bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice S C Sharma, allows the state to use temple funds to acquire around five acres of land near the shrine. This land is to be registered in the name of the temple trust or deity and used for public amenities such as parking, toilets, accommodation and security posts. Uttar Pradesh govt said the project was necessary to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure for pilgrims. The petition, however, asked SC to reconsider parts of the ruling that permitted the use of temple funds and allowed construction without stakeholder consent. Goswami requested a stay on activities such as land acquisition, demolition or new construction until a transparent process is ensured. "We are not against development, but it must respect the sanctity and character of the temple," he said. The review plea called for the formation of a heritage and stakeholder consultation committee to oversee any future plans. Goswami said unchecked development could "irreversibly alter the religious and cultural fabric of the temple precinct". The demand for redevelopment arose after a stampede-like incident occurred during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, resulting in two deaths. In Sept 2023, Allahabad high court directed Uttar Pradesh govt to develop a corridor plan to manage crowd pressure and ensure safety. While the state said it engaged with stakeholders, Shebaits and local residents claimed they were excluded from meaningful consultations. Following the May 15 order, several residents and heritage activists in Mathura expressed concerns that the corridor project could disrupt Vrindavan's spiritual atmosphere and erode its historical architecture. TOI contacted Goswami for comment, but he declined, saying, "The matter is sub-judice before the court."
