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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Eight Tuljabhavani priests face action for spitting tobacco on the temple premises
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The temple administration of Tuljabhavani has issued notices to eight priests after surveillance footage showed them using tobacco and spitting inside the temple grounds, which officials consider a violation of the shrine's sanctity. The temple trust has indicated possible three-month entry restrictions for the priests, citing the Deul-e-Kawayat Act's sections 24 and 25 as grounds for disciplinary action. The administration said this conduct violated both priestly protocol and the sacred nature of the premises. The notices highlight how such actions negatively impact the temple's reputation and disrupt its functioning. Dharashiv collector Keerthi Kiran Pujar verified the situation and told TOI: "The CCTV cameras installed on the temple premises caught eight priests spitting. Notices have been served to those priests by the temple administration for explanation. Strict action will be taken against the guilty and they will be banned from temple entry for a fixed duration." The notices were issued to Vaibhav Bhosale, Vishal Magar, Lakhan Bhosale, Vishal Chavan, Vishal Gangane, Akshay Kishor Kadam-Bhaiyye, Rahul Pawar, and Dheeraj Chopdar. A senior temple administrator confirmed that the priests must provide written explanations within three days or face a three-month entry prohibition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The violation was discovered during standard CCTV footage review, which showed the priests consuming tobacco and spitting within the temple complex, breaking established rules. The administration stressed that tobacco products are forbidden in the temple premises, and violations, particularly by religious officials, warrant strict action. This enforcement action, while not unprecedented, represents one of the strongest disciplinary measures taken recently to maintain proper conduct among staff at this significant Maharashtra Shakti peetha. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
06-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tuljapur temple to resume distribution of prasad with Chitale Bandhu laddoos
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: After a temporary halt, devotees visiting the revered Tulja Bhavani temple in Dharashiv district will soon receive laddoos as prasad, with Pune-based Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale roped in for preparation and supply. The decision comes as part of a renewed focus on ensuring purity and quality in religious offerings. Confirming the development, Dharashiv collector Keerthi Kiran Pujar told TOI, "The prasad in the form of laddoos will be prepared by Pune's famous Chitale Bandhu." He clarified that the sweet-maker is charging close to Rs 29 for 50g of laddoos, while the temple trust will be charging devotees Rs 30 only. The Tulja Bhavani temple trust stopped distributing prasad some time ago after receiving several complaints regarding its quality. In a significant policy shift, the trust floated tenders in Sept 2024, inviting reputed firms to take over prasad preparation. This move was prompted by heightened concerns nationwide, particularly after allegations of the use of animal fat and fish oil in the prasad served at the Tirupati Balaji temple created a stir among devotees. Chitale Bandhu, known for its high standards in sweet preparation, was selected through a transparent bidding process. The Tulja Bhavani temple is one of Maharashtra's most important religious destinations. It is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and draws lakhs of pilgrims every year. The temple also holds a special place in Maratha history, with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj known to be a devout follower of the goddess. Officials said prasad distribution is likely to resume once the necessary logistics and packaging arrangements are finalised. The prasad will be made using pure ghee and traditional ingredients, aligning with the temple's cultural and spiritual heritage. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
