New Delhi : A district magistrate from Uttar Pradesh drew sharp criticism after entering the sanctum sanctorum of a temple in Uttarakhand’s Almora with an armed security guard during a ritual on Monday, prompting protests from priests.
The official, identified as Bareilly DM Avinash Singh, had reportedly entered the inner shrine of the Jageshwar Dham complex to perform a Navagraha puja. During the ritual, his security personnel was present inside the sanctum carrying a carbine-like weapon, triggering immediate objections from temple priests, who termed it a violation of the temple’s religious sanctity.
PRIESTS FLAG ‘BREACH OF RELIGIOUS NORMS’
Priests at the temple said the sanctum is the most sacred part of the shrine and strict norms govern entry, especially regarding items like weapons. They pointed out that even during visits by top dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, no weapons have been allowed inside the sanctum.
“This goes against established religious traditions. The sanctity of the garbhagriha must be preserved at all costs,” said one of the priests, Pandit Naveen Chandra Bhatt, who was among those who raised objections.
Several priests, including Manoj Bhatt, Puran Bhatt, Gopal Bhatt, Basant Bhatt and Khimanand Bhatt, jointly protested the incident and demanded strict adherence to temple customs.
SECURITY CITES PROTOCOL, PROBE ORDERED
Security personnel, however, maintained that the armed presence was part of standard protocol for a visiting senior official. The explanation has not satisfied the priests and local residents, who have demanded action and safeguards to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
The episode has triggered tension within the temple premises, with calls for accountability and respect for religious practices.
Following the backlash, authorities have initiated an enquiry into the incident.
WARNING SIGN PUT UP AFTER INCIDENT
Priests also noted that there had been no visible warning signage prohibiting weapons inside the temple premises. They urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which oversees the site, to install clear notices.
Subsequently, a warning notice has now been put up, restricting the carrying of weapons within the temple complex.
