Latest news with #Jyotirlinga
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Fraudsters duping devotees in the name of ‘darshan' in temples across Maha
PUNE: A series of incidents across major temples in Maharashtra have exposed malpractices ranging from black marketing of darshan passes to fake QR codes and portals to misuse of VIP entry; all of which have exploited the faith (and desperation) of devotees seeking a satisfying spiritual experience. While these cases were reported separately, taken together, they reveal a disconcerting pattern that has forced temple authorities and district administrations to revisit the systems that are presently in place. Indian devotees gather at The Shani Shingnapur Temple in Ahmednagar, some 200kms east of Mumbai on April 2, 2016. Angry villagers blocked a group of women activists from entering the inner sanctum of a temple in western India, despite a court order mandating Hindu women's right to worship / AFP PHOTO / STR (AFP) At the Jyotirlinga shrine in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Nashik rural police arrested five men for black marketing of darshan passes wherein they used fake identities to book multiple passes—officially priced at ₹200—only to subsequently sell them at ₹800 to ₹1,000 apiece. Having worked at flower stalls near the temple, the men used the familiarity to approach devotees unfamiliar with the online pass booking system. Mahesh Kulkarni, police inspector at Trimbakeshwar police station, said, 'Many devotees don't know how to book online passes. These accused would offer to help such devotees under the pretext of selling flowers.' Initially, they helped the devotees book passes for free while selling flowers but soon realised that they could exploit the system to their advantage. With no mechanism to crosscheck identity cards during online booking, the accused began mass booking passes and reselling them at inflated prices. The police found out that one of the accused, Shivraj Aher, booked over 1,000 passes in this manner. The accused had also created a WhatsApp group through which the passes were sold. Investigators suspect that more people may be involved in this racket. Purushottam Kadalag, trustee at the Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust, said, 'The accused benefitted from the loopholes in the online darshan pass system. We are also in the process of learning and after this incident, we have decided to crosscheck the issued passes with the respective identities (id's) of the devotees. Also, we will soon introduce an Aadhar card number-based darshan pass system to avoid such incidents in future.' In Shani Shingnapur, devotees were misled by fake websites and QR codes offering services such as VIP darshan, online puja, abhishek and oil offerings - none of which were authorised by the temple trust. The cybercrime unit has registered an FIR, and identified at least five such fraudulent platforms. Somnath Gharge, superintendent of police, Ahilyanagar district, said, 'These were cloned websites designed to siphon donations. Devotees thought that they were contributing to the temple but were transferring money to private accounts instead…' Whereas Pandharpur has seen multiple cases of fraud. In January, a self-styled priest was booked for charging ₹11,000 from devotees for easy darshan of Lord Vitthal. In March, seven devotees were conned into buying fake darshan passes; the authorities found them to be fake while scanning. Similar such incidents prompted the Solapur district administration to ban VIP darshan during this year's Ashadhi Wari. Solapur district collector Kumar Ashirwad said that the ban on VIP darshan is part of a broader effort to ensure fairness and maintain order. 'This year, we declared a no-vehicle zone from Chauphala to the Vitthal temple. Golf carts were provided for senior citizens, but VIP darshan has been completely banned. Violations will invite action under the Disaster Management Act,' he said. The ban came after reports that private agents were charging astronomical fees from all manner of devotees for 'VIP access', creating a law-and-order risk. In Tuljapur, a similar situation unfolded at the Tuljabhavani temple with VIP passes being misused. The passes, issued by trustees, were being resold by agents for a profit. So much so that in May this year, the Dharashiv district administration scrapped the VIP pass system and introduced a ₹200 online pass issued directly by the temple trust. While the aforementioned cases are separate, the common thread tying them together is the use of digital manipulation, emotional exploitation, and gaps in oversight. In almost all cases, devotees were contacted through WhatsApp groups, social media, and fraudulent websites—channels that are difficult to regulate in real time. For many devotees who had saved for months and travelled long distances, these experiences were not just financial setbacks but also the cause of great emotional distress. Instead of blessings, they were left with a sense of betrayal. Temple trusts and local authorities have since issued advisories urging devotees to use only official websites or government-authorised platforms for bookings and donations. Devotees have been warned against scanning QR codes from messages or social media posts. Overall, these incidents have triggered calls for stronger verification systems, improved transparency, and tighter digital security across religious institutions. With the holy Hindu month of Shravan having just begun, there is now a crying need to ensure that the faithful are not targeted in the name of devotion.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
600 personnel to be deployed at Trimbakeshwar on first Shravan Somvar
Nashik: Around 600 personnel, comprising rural police, traffic staff, and home guards, will be stationed in Trimbakeshwar on Monday, the first 'Shravan Somvar', to maintain crowd control and ensure a safe environment. Trimbakeshwar temple, situated 28km from Nashik city, is one of India's 12 revered Jyotirlinga temples. While devotees flock to the temple year-round, the holy month of Shravan sees a significant surge, especially on Mondays (Somvar). This year, the first Shravan Somvar falls on July 28, followed by three more on August 4, 11 and 18. Devotees have already started pouring in, given the Shravan month began on July 11 in north India. However, the Shravan Somvars are expected to draw massive crowds from Nashik, the district, and beyond. Inspector Mahesh Kulkarni of the Trimbakeshwar police said, "We'll deploy around 600 personnel from Sunday afternoon to manage the crowds in Trimbakeshwar, considering the huge rush expected. Devotees not only visit the Trimbakeshwar temple but also circumambulate Brahmagiri, which can be a challenge. We'll be prepared to ensure a smooth experience for all." Police will be deployed on both routes to avert any untoward incident. Most of the devotees start the walk around the Brahmagiri mountain on Sunday evening, and after completing the detour, they take darshan in the morning before resuming their return journey. "The police presence will be higher on the third Shravan Somvar on Aug 11," the officer said. The Trimbakeshwar temple trust will also be deploying their security guards on the temple premises.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Mountaineering organisation urges CM to start Shivteerth Yatra connecting Unesco inscribed Maratha forts
1 2 Pune: Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha, a mountaineering organisation based in Junnar, has proposed the launch of a special 'Shivteerth Yatra', modelled on the lines of Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, connecting the 12 forts recently inscribed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. The organisation has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to flag off the yatra from the historic Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . Of these 12 forts, 11 are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Described as "Maratha Military Landscapes", these are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "Our organisation has been working for the past 25 years in fort conservation, environmental preservation, and promoting heritage tourism. Through our efforts, we helped establish the Shivai sacred grove and Junnar archaeological museum. An information centre is also coming up in the historic Ambarkhana building on the fort," Joshi said. The organisation has proposed that the Shivteerth Yatra be operated through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), with specially designed buses connecting all 12 Unesco-recognised forts. It has also requested that Junnar ST bus depot be redeveloped in heritage style. "Junnar is steeped in history. Now that Shivneri Fort has Unesco status, it is only appropriate that the bus stand reflects the region's historic and cultural character," said Rahul Joshi, president of Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha. "Shivneri is not just a fort, it is the cradle of Maratha pride," he added. Each fort holds significant historical importance. Shivneri Fort, located in Junnar tehsil, is considered a "sacred fort" among all the forts of Maratha Empire because it is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was built in the 6th century CE as a strategic military outpost. Built in a triangular shape, it is surrounded by cliffs and overlooks Junnar town. "The most striking aspect of the fort is its seven-tier defence system, designed to block enemy advances. It was a challenging task for attackers to engage in battle due to the uphill terrain and seven enormous gates," said Joshi. "If the state government connects these forts with a dedicated bus service, it would provide a great opportunity for people to visit these historical sites, as many of these are located in rural areas. Therefore, we have urged the government to consider our request positively," said Ganesh Kore, the secretary of the organisation. Thousands of people visit the forts every year. Many come to enjoy the atmosphere and greenery, but only a few are keen to understand their historical significance, said the members of the club. "It is difficult for people to find the time to visit all these forts by making individual arrangements. However, if there is a dedicated public transport, a large number of people, including women, would visit these forts," said Keshav Tengle, a history enthusiast and trekker.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Badri-Kedar Temple Committee seeking legal advice over construction of replica of Kedarnath temple in Samajwadi Party's bastion Etawah
Opposing the construction of the replica of Kedarnath temple in Samajwadi Party's (SP) bastion, Etawah, the authorities of Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) said on Saturday (July 19, 2025) that they are seeking legal advice in the matter. The priest community in Uttarakhand is also up in arms against the temple project, launched by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav. The construction of over 70 feet tall Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple, which looks exactly like Kedarnath temple, started in 2021. Being built at the approximate cost of ₹50 crore in front of Safari Park in Etawah, the home turf of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and is likely to be completed in the next six months. Akhilesh Yadav had recently shared a video of the temple on social stirring controversy over the same. Condemning the move of building the replica of a temple of 'religious and mythological importance', BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said that Kedarnath temple is one of the 11 Jyotirlinga and it should not be copied in any way. 'It is mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas that Kedarnath Dham is located in the Himalayan region, hence the replica temple of this important religious place should not be built elsewhere, it is against religious beliefs,' he said. Mr. Dwivedi added that appropriate steps will be taken after legal opinion in the matter. he added that BKTC has also brought in the notice of the state government. Suresh Semwal, president of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchyat, the body of priests associated with char dham temples, said that construction of the replica of Kedarnath temple in Etawah is not only tampering with religious sentiments of people but also an attack on the identity and tradition of the Hindu temples. 'It is an insult to faith of millions of Hindus. If Uttarakhand government will not take appropriate measure to stop the construction of the temple in Etawah, the priest community will be forced to move to court,' he added. After a Statewide agitation by the priest community last year, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) lead Uttarakhand government had pushed for a halt on the proposed construction of Kedarnath temple in Delhi's Burari. The project in Burari was inaugurated by the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami who faced a lot of heat over the same. After both political pressure from the Opposition Congress and from the Char Dham temple priests, the State government had proposed in the Cabinet to make take legal action on the misuse of the name of Char Dham temples.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Actress Vishnu Manchu's epic devotional drama "Kannappa" was screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding another feather to the cap. Sharing the exciting update with the X users, the makers mentioned on the official page of the film, "Honoured beyond words! #Kannappa received a special screening at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a proud recognition of its devotion-driven storytelling and cultural significance. Har Har Ghar Mahadev." Meanwhile, "Kannappa" was recently under piracy attack. Revealing that more than 30,000 illegal links have already been taken down, Vishnu Manchu used social media to urge the audience not to encourage piracy. Taking to his X timeline, Vishnu Manchu penned, "Dear movie lovers, #Kannappa is under attack from piracy. Over 30,000 illegal links have already been taken down. This is heartbreaking. Piracy is theft - plain and simple. We don't teach our children to steal. Watching pirated content is no don't encourage it. Support cinema the right way. Har Har Mahadev." Additionally, just before the release of "Kannappa" on June 27, Vishnu Manchu undertook a journey to visit all 12 Jyothirlingas, situated across the country. "Twelve Jyotirlingas. One journey. Eternal peace. Just completed the sacred darshan at Sri Sailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple - one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight – Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo With this visit, my journey to all twelve Jyotirlinga temples comes to a divine close," he wrote on the internet. President Murmu Watches Tanvi The Great | Anupam Kher Calls It Ultimate Pride Vishnu Manchu added, "My heart is full. My soul feels blessed. Life right now is filled with nothing but positivity, gratitude, and peace. As I stand at the edge of this spiritual milestone, I now look forward to the next chapter #Kannappa, releasing worldwide on June 27. A film close to my heart. A story that reflects the very spirit I carry today. Har Har Mahadev! #Kannappa27thJune." "Kannappa" enjoys an ensemble cast of Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Raghu Babu, and Madhoo.
