Devotional

By Vishal Gulati
Amritsar, Oct 30 (IANS) A wheelchair-bound devotee, who was denied entry into the Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) here, has sought to make it accessible for physically challenged too.



However, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which has control over Sikh religious affairs and manages gurdwaras, including the holiest of Sikh shrines Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, says 'sewadars' are deputed for convenience of the 'sangat' or devotees.

The SGPC's statement comes after wheelchair-bound graphic designer Inderjeet Singh Dang on Saturday tweeted by saying, "How can someone who's permanently on wheelchair supposed to go to Main Darbar without using wheelchair on pathway?

"I request officials to look into this matter and help to make Darbar Sahib accessible for all."

The SGPC replied to him by saying, "In case any pilgrim with wheelchair, they r helped by Sewadars by lifting them up with hands & taken to Darbar Sahib. Wheelchair cannot be allowed due to certain reasons. Please ask Sewadar help to pick the person & help in Darshan."

At this Dehradun-based Dang replied: "Lot of Sewadars are extremely rude and arrogant and they simply say you can go by yourself or don't go.

"Also what are the reasons to prohibit wheelchair on pathway? It's just a plain pathway. I understand not allowing wheelchair inside the Main Darbar but it's just pathway."

Saying everyone has equal rights to visit the sanctum sanctorum of, Dang further said, "It's very uncomfortable and inappropriate to get lifted by someone specially for females when there is a simple way to go just by going through wheelchair."

Seeking the Prime Minister's intervention, he said, "This is not a Sikh related issue...This issue is for every wheelchair user who is unable to pay obeisance at Shri Darbar Sahib because of @SGPCAmritsar rule of not allowing wheelchair to the passage. I raised this issue earlier but no response from SGPC."

Earlier, the SGPC said wheelchair assistance is available at Sri Darbar Sahib plaza and in the whole complex.

Sri Harmandir Sahib also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Sri Harmandir Sahib is built on a 67 feet square platform in the centre of the sarovar (tank). The temple itself is 40.5 feet square. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10 feet in height and eight feet and six inches in breath.

The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus' way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world.

It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS
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Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 23 (IANS) "Ram does not leave anyone behind, he does not turn away from anyone. We have a lot to learn from him because he truly believed in 'Sabka saath sabka vishwas, sabka prayas," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as he began his speech with 'Jai Shri Ram' and then went on to detail the character of Lord Ram.

While inaugurating the Deepotsav in Ayodhya on Sunday, he said, "The lamp burns too and lights too."

The Prime Minister recalled the pandemic and said that every Indian stood with one lamp in hand and we are defeated the darkness of illness.

Amidst chants of 'Modi Modi', the Prime Minister reiterated that the character of Lord Ram should be emulated by all since he was a role model for all.

--IANS
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Ayodhya, Oct 23 (IANS) As more than 17 lakh earthen diyas lit up, presenting a mesmerising view on the banks of Saryu river at Ayodhya, it seemed like heaven on earth.

The reflection of the diyas in the Saryu river provided a breathtaking view while the laser show lit up the skies. Ayodhya rose in unison to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit five 'diyas' of ghee at the Ram Janambhoomi temple where he offered prayers on his arrival.

The lighting of diyas was symbolic of 'Deepotsav'.

Soon after his arrival in Ayodhya on Sunday evening, Modi went to the Ram Janambhoomi temple where he offered prayers and then inspected the construction work at the temple site.

He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He also lit a 'diya' here and then interacted with the team involved in temple construction.

The Prime Minister then proceeded to the Ram Katha Park where he performed 'abhishek' of Lord Ram.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that Lord Ram belonged to the entire country and it was the duty of every countryman to follow the path shown by Lord Ram.

He added that one should learn from Lord Ram on how to get and give dignity and take everyone together.

"Our constitution also talks about inclusiveness and of fundamental rights and duties. This Diwali is special for all of us because it comes in 'Amrit Kaal', which marks 75 years of independence," he said.

Modi added that Lord Ram, Ram Lila, Deepotsav and research on Lord Ram was spreading the message of Lord Ram worldwide.

He said that cultural development was leading to all-round development.

"The Nishad Raj Park and Queen Hoe Memorial are examples of this. This kind of development will not only strengthen ties between people but will also generate employment," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was with the inspiration of the Prime Minister that he started the Deepotsav programme in 2017 and the event has become bigger with each passing year.

He added that the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor and the upcoming Krishna corridor in Mathura were also projects that were being completed with the inspiration of the Prime Minister.

Modi then performed 'aarti' at the banks of Saryu river after which the people were treated to a scintillating display of green fireworks and laser show.

--IANS
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Lucknow, Oct 14 (IANS) The family of Mulayam Singh Yadav will hold a 'shanti havan' in the coming days to wrap up the post-death rituals while the Samajwadi Party (SP) has decided to hold 'shraddhanjali sabhas (prayer meetings)' for the party patriarch across the state on October 21.

"We will be holding a 'shanti havan', instead of 13th day rites (tehravin) rituals, in Saifai as per the family tradition. The date of the shanti havan will be decided soon," said a member of the Yadav clan.

Mulayam Singh Yadav's ashes would later be taken to Haridwar for immersion after the shanti havan.

"It has been decided to immerse the ashes in Haridwar after the shanti havan. All the family members will go to Haridwar," he said.

Till then, the entire family will remain in Saifai.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, a three-time former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and defence minister, passed away due to illness at a private hospital in Gurugram on October 10 at the age of 82.

His mortal remains were consigned to flames with full state honours on October 11.

--IANS
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Mysuru (Karnataka), Oct 5 (IANS) The Dasara festivities celebrated on a grand scale in Mysuru came to an end with the iconic 'Jamboo Savari' on the occasion of Vijayadashami on Wednesday.

The authorities claimed that about five lakh people witnessed the 'Jamboo Savari' (elephant procession) and other festivities. To mark the celebrations of the concluding day, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai performed Nandi Dhwaja Puja at the North Gate of the Mysuru Palace.

After two years' Covid hiatus, the ruling BJP had decided to celebrate the Dasara festivities on a grand scale this year.

The entire city was decked up with special lighting arrangements exhibiting the rich cultural heritage of the state. The Dasara festival was inaugurated on September 26 by President Droupadi Murmu, who offered floral tributes to goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi hills in Mysuru.

The elephant procession was organised after two years of restricted celebrations. The grand procession was carried out from Mysuru's Amba Vilas Palace to Bannimantap Ground covering a distance of 5 km.

This year, 57-year-old elephant Abhimanyu carried the 750 kg golden idol of goddess Chamundeshwari. Along with the procession, a torchlight parade was held during which Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was given guard of honor.

--IANS
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Visakhapatnam, Oct 4 (IANS) A temple in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam has been decorated with currency notes and gold ornaments worth Rs 8 crore as part of Navratri celebrations.

The management committee of the Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple decorated the walls and floor with the currency notes of Rs 3.5 crore and jewellery.

Wads of notes of various denominations ranging from Re 1 to Rs 2,000 were kept around the deity, on the floor, pasted to the walls and even hung from the ceiling.

According to the committee of this 135-year-old temple, the currency notes and gold ornaments are contributions from devotees and the same will be returned to them after the festivities.

This is not the first time that a temple in Andhra Pradesh has been decorated in this fashion to mark Dasara celebrations. Last year, the deity at Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple in Nellore district was decked up with currency notes worth Rs 5.16 crore.

The organisers had adorned the deity with garlands and bouquets of origami flowers made from the currency notes of various denominations like Rs 2,000, Rs 500, Rs 200, Rs 100, Rs 50, and Rs 10 and colours.

A large number of devotees worship the deity in the avatar of 'Dhanalakshmi', the goddess of riches, during the Navratri celebrations.

Earlier, Kanyaka Parameswari temple in Telangana's Jogulamba Gadwal district was decorated with currency notes amounting to Rs 1,11,11,111.

In 2017, the temple committee had made the offering in a similar arrangement with the currency notes amounting Rs 3,33,33,333.

--IANS
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Jammu, Oct 4 (IANS) The people in Jammu and the town of Katra at the foothills of Mata Vaishno Devi Cave shrine celebrated Navratri with great fervour and both places presented an extraordinary atmosphere during the days.

The devotees continued to throng the temples throughout the days. In Jammu, Raghunath Temple, Rambeshwar Temple and Bagh Bahu Temple witnessed a huge rush of pilgrims. From September 26 to October 4, the Navratri festival was also going on under which many programmes were organised. Local and foreign singers, and actors from Jammu and Kashmir also participated and performed during these events.

The district administration with the cooperation of Jammu Municipal Corporation and other departments had made special arrangements for the successful organisation of the festival. During this time, special care was taken to clean the premises of the temples while reasonable security arrangements were also made so that the devotees do not face any kind of difficulty.

The biggest celebration of Navratri festival was seen in Katra where colourful cultural programmes were also presented. An excellent rendition of 'Mata Ki Kahani' by Nettering Thid Jammu was the center of attention, with a huge crowd coming to watch. This drama was presented under the supervision of Nettering director Balwant Thakur.

The annual Navratri festival first started in 1996, after which this process continued regularly. People come from all over the country to join the festivities. In addition to Ram Leela, Kal Hind Bhagwati Sangeet Competition, Bhagwat Katha, Prabhat Pheri, Shoba Yatra, Mata Ki Kahani, Hum Bhi Kam Nahi Talent Show, wrestling competitions, Hsia Wayang and Mahfil Mushara, and other cultural programmes were held.

--IANS
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Ayodhya, Oct 4 (IANS) In a bizarre incident, a young sadhu in Ayodhya cut off his right palm from the wrist as part of what he called a Durga Puja ritual.

According to police, the seer Vimal Kumar, 32, wore new clothes after taking a holy dip in river Saryu and then chopped off his palm on the river bank.

He was taken to the Sriram government hospital.

Vimal Kumar belongs to Araria district in Bihar.

According to locals, the sadhu's act was part of 'occult science' and he believed he would get supernatural powers after this.

--IANS
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Kolkata, Oct 3 (IANS) The Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha at Kasba here on Monday modified the Mahatma Gandhi-like idol of Mahishasura in the wake of criticism and complaints.

A section of the opposition parties as well as the social media created a major hue and cry over the issue. The police intervened and late on Sunday evening, the organisers finally brought in the said changes.

However, even that change was not free of controversies leaving the organisers aggrieved. Chandrachur Goswami, one of the Puja organisers, alleged that the changes were made forcefully by the local police from Kasba Police station. "It was the police who removed the spectacles and attached a wig and moustache on the idol. We received threatening calls. The police threatened us to close down our Puja and ultimately, we had to accept the changes. But our protests will be on," he said.

A section of the Puja organisers reportedly wished to remove the idol of Mahisasura altogether as a mark of protest. But ultimately, they decided to continue with the changed look for the sake of traditional rituals which are incomplete without the demon's presence.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed against Goswami at the local Kasba Police Station. However, Goswami is not disturbed by that and he said that he will take up the matter legally.

Currently pursuing his Ph.D in environmental science, Goswami also contested as an independent candidate against chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the 2021 by-elections from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

However, he secured the eighth position in that poll securing just 81 votes, which include four post- ballot votes.

--IANS
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Lucknow, Oct 2 (IANS) Kumbhkaran and Meghnad can finally rest in peace, at least in Lucknow now.

After over 300 years, the Aishbagh Ramlila committee has decided to discontinue the practice of burning effigies of Kumbhkaran and Meghnad along with that of Ravana this Dussehra.

The reason, said organisers, is that all Ramayana texts mention that Kumbhkaran and Meghnad had tried to dissuade Ravana from fighting against Lord Ram since the latter was the incarnation of Vishnu, though eventually they too participated in the war when the demon king rejected their advice.

The idea was first mooted by the Aishbagh Dussehra and Ramlila Committee president Harishchandra Agrawal and secretary Aditya Dwivedi five years ago, but it was rejected by other members on the ground that burning effigies of the trio was part of the 300-year-old tradition.

"A thorough reading of Ramcharitmanas and other versions of the Ramayana reveals that Ravana's son Meghnad had told him that Lord Ram was the incarnation of Vishnu and they should not wage war against him. Ravana's brother Kumbhkaran, on the other hand, told him that Sita, whom the Lanka king had kidnapped, was none other than Jagdamba and if he does not free her, he might end up losing everything, including his life. However, Ravana ignored their suggestions and ordered them to fight. Therefore, we thought burning effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhkaran is wrong," said Dwivedi.

"After a lot of debate and discussion, we were able to convince all members this year that the tradition needs to be discontinued," explained Agrawal.

Ramlila and Dussehra celebrations are believed to have been started at Aishbagh by sage-poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century.

The tradition to burn effigies was introduced about three centuries ago. Both the traditions were conducted by seers till the 1857 first war of independence.

The Nawabs of Lucknow also used to visit the Ramlila. After the revolt, the celebrations were carried forward by social workers.

--IANS
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