The&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today.&nbsp;

The temple precinct will nearly triple in size as a result of the redevelopment. The project's overall price tag is close to Rs 850 crore.&nbsp;

The Phase-l of the "Mahakal Lok" project, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would aid pilgrims who visit the temple by giving them access to top-notch contemporary facilities.

"Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore. The existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled. Development of the project has been planned under two phases." said the PMO.

Before speaking to a group, he frequently prays at the Bharat Mata Mandir. The 108 stambhs (pillars) along the Mahakal Path show Lord Shiva in his dance form, Anand Tandav Swaroop. Along the Mahakal Path, there are several statues representing the life of Lord Shiva.&nbsp;

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The mural wall along the path is based on tales from the Shiva Purana, including those about the act of creation, Ganesha's birth, the tale of Sati, and the tale of Daksha, among others.&nbsp;

There are fountains and a monument of Shiva in the 2.5-hectare Plaza area, which is bordered by a lotus pond. With the use of artificial intelligence and security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Center will continuously monitor the whole facility.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today. The temple precinct will nearly triple in size as a result of the redevelopment. The project's overall price tag is close to Rs 850 crore. The Phase-l of the "Mahakal Lok" project, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would aid pilgrims who visit the temple by giving them access to top-notch contemporary facilities. "Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore. The existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled. Development of the project has been planned under two phases." said the PMO. Before speaking to a group, he frequently prays at the Bharat Mata Mandir. The 108 stambhs (pillars) along the Mahakal Path show Lord Shiva in his dance form, Anand Tandav Swaroop. Along the Mahakal Path, there are several statues representing the life of Lord Shiva. Also Read: Japan reopens for tourists after two-and-a-half years of Covid restrictions The mural wall along the path is based on tales from the Shiva Purana, including those about the act of creation, Ganesha's birth, the tale of Sati, and the tale of Daksha, among others. There are fountains and a monument of Shiva in the 2.5-hectare Plaza area, which is bordered by a lotus pond. With the use of artificial intelligence and security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Center will continuously monitor the whole facility. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi offers prayers, addresses nation from Ujjain Mahakal temple

A stampede broke out at a temple in western Rajasthan on early Monday claiming three lives, while numerous people were injured. According to reports, the tragedy took place around 5 am at the entrance of the temple where people were gathered for a monthly fair in the Sikar region, about 115 km from the state capital of Jaipur.

According to ANI news agency, the incident occurred at the Khatu Shyamji Temple. Among those who were injured, two people were referred to a hospital in the state capital.

According to reports, en estimated 100,000 devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers in the morning.

A team of police were immediately rushed to the temple to control the crowd and bring the situation under control.

The cops said that a large crowd, which was gathered outside the temple, tried to push into the temple when the gates were opened. A woman reportedly fainted and fell, causing others behind her to fall as well. In the ensuing chaos, three women lost their lives and two were injured.

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Rajasthan | Three people died, several injured at Khatu Shyamji Temple in Sikar where a stampede occurred during a monthly fair, earlier this morning. Two injured people referred to a hospital in Jaipur. Police present at the spot. Further details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/bgnL9sRr1j">pic.twitter.com/bgnL9sRr1j</a>
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_MP_CG_RJ/status/1556467496890224643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. In a tweet, he said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji Temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest.”

Similarly, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief.

“The death of 3 women devotees due to stampede in Khatushyam ji's temple in Sikar is very sad and unfortunate. My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved family, may God give them strength to bear this loss and may the departed soul rest in peace," he tweeted in Hindi.

The Khatu Shyamji temple is one of the most important pilgrim destinations in Rajasthan and draws huge crowds every year, especially in the month of monsoon according to the Hindu calendar.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A stampede broke out at a temple in western Rajasthan on early Monday claiming three lives, while numerous people were injured. According to reports, the tragedy took place around 5 am at the entrance of the temple where people were gathered for a monthly fair in the Sikar region, about 115 km from the state capital of Jaipur.

A stampede broke out at a temple in western Rajasthan on early Monday claiming three lives, while numerous people were injured. According to reports, the tragedy took place around 5 am at the entrance of the temple where people were gathered for a monthly fair in the Sikar region, about 115 km from the state capital of Jaipur. According to ANI news agency, the incident occurred at the Khatu Shyamji Temple. Among those who were injured, two people were referred to a hospital in the state capital. According to reports, en estimated 100,000 devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers in the morning. A team of police were immediately rushed to the temple to control the crowd and bring the situation under control. The cops said that a large crowd, which was gathered outside the temple, tried to push into the temple when the gates were opened. A woman reportedly fainted and fell, causing others behind her to fall as well. In the ensuing chaos, three women lost their lives and two were injured. Rajasthan | Three people died, several injured at Khatu Shyamji Temple in Sikar where a stampede occurred during a monthly fair, earlier this morning. Two injured people referred to a hospital in Jaipur. Police present at the spot. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/bgnL9sRr1j — ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 8, 2022 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. In a tweet, he said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji Temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest.” Similarly, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief. “The death of 3 women devotees due to stampede in Khatushyam ji's temple in Sikar is very sad and unfortunate. My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved family, may God give them strength to bear this loss and may the departed soul rest in peace," he tweeted in Hindi. The Khatu Shyamji temple is one of the most important pilgrim destinations in Rajasthan and draws huge crowds every year, especially in the month of monsoon according to the Hindu calendar. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Three killed in stampede at Rajasthan's Khatu Shyamji Temple

A 1,200-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Lahore city will be restored after "illegal occupiers" were forced out of it after a protracted legal struggle, the federal authority in charge of minorities' places of worship in the nation announced on Wednesday.

A Christian family had their possession of the Valmiki temple&nbsp;located close to the well-known Anarkali Bazaar Lahore taken from them by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) last month.

The only surviving temple in Lahore is Valmiki Temple, aside from Krishna Temple.

For the past two decades, the Christian family, which claims to have converted to Hinduism, had only allowed Hindus of the Valmiki caste to attend temple services.

According to a "master plan," the Valmiki Temple would be restored in the next days, ETPB spokesperson Amir Hashmi told PTI.

"Over 100 Hindus, some Sikh and Christian leaders today gathered at the Valmiki Temple. Hindus performed their religious rituals and had lungar (food) for the first time it was retrieved from the grabbers," he said.

According to a spokesperson of the ETPB, the land belonging to the temple was transferred to the ETPB in the revenue records; nevertheless, the family, claiming to be the rightful owner of the property, filed a lawsuit in civil court in 2010-2011.

He claimed that in addition to filing a lawsuit, the family built a temple exclusively for Valmiki Hindus. The trust was left with no choice except to pursue the matter in court.

The official continued, "This time the court also censured the petitioner for misleading assertions.

In 1992, a vengeful crowd carrying guns broke into the Valmiki Temple in India following the destruction of the Babri Masjid. It destroyed the idols of Krishna and Valmiki, shattered cooking utensils and dishes, and took the gold that had been used to adorn the statues.

The temple was burned down to the ground and reduced to ruins. It took days for the authorities to put out the fires that started in the neighborhood's shops.

According to the ETPB spokesman, a one-man commission established by the Pakistani Supreme Court made recommendations to the government, noting that the temple needed to be refurbished to give the Hindu community better workshop facilities.

The ETPB, however, was unable to begin restoration work at the temple built on more than 10 marlas of land valued at millions after the lawsuit, the spokeswoman added.

The ETPB is responsible for maintaining the temples and land that Sikhs and Hindus who immigrated to India after the Partition left behind. In Pakistan, it is in charge of 200 gurdwaras and 150 temples.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 1,200-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Lahore city will be restored after "illegal occupiers" were forced out of it after a protracted legal struggle, the federal authority in charge of minorities' places of worship in the nation announced on Wednesday.

A 1,200-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Lahore city will be restored after "illegal occupiers" were forced out of it after a protracted legal struggle, the federal authority in charge of minorities' places of worship in the nation announced on Wednesday. A Christian family had their possession of the Valmiki temple located close to the well-known Anarkali Bazaar Lahore taken from them by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) last month. The only surviving temple in Lahore is Valmiki Temple, aside from Krishna Temple. For the past two decades, the Christian family, which claims to have converted to Hinduism, had only allowed Hindus of the Valmiki caste to attend temple services. According to a "master plan," the Valmiki Temple would be restored in the next days, ETPB spokesperson Amir Hashmi told PTI. "Over 100 Hindus, some Sikh and Christian leaders today gathered at the Valmiki Temple. Hindus performed their religious rituals and had lungar (food) for the first time it was retrieved from the grabbers," he said. According to a spokesperson of the ETPB, the land belonging to the temple was transferred to the ETPB in the revenue records; nevertheless, the family, claiming to be the rightful owner of the property, filed a lawsuit in civil court in 2010-2011. He claimed that in addition to filing a lawsuit, the family built a temple exclusively for Valmiki Hindus. The trust was left with no choice except to pursue the matter in court. The official continued, "This time the court also censured the petitioner for misleading assertions. In 1992, a vengeful crowd carrying guns broke into the Valmiki Temple in India following the destruction of the Babri Masjid. It destroyed the idols of Krishna and Valmiki, shattered cooking utensils and dishes, and took the gold that had been used to adorn the statues. The temple was burned down to the ground and reduced to ruins. It took days for the authorities to put out the fires that started in the neighborhood's shops. According to the ETPB spokesman, a one-man commission established by the Pakistani Supreme Court made recommendations to the government, noting that the temple needed to be refurbished to give the Hindu community better workshop facilities. The ETPB, however, was unable to begin restoration work at the temple built on more than 10 marlas of land valued at millions after the lawsuit, the spokeswoman added. The ETPB is responsible for maintaining the temples and land that Sikhs and Hindus who immigrated to India after the Partition left behind. In Pakistan, it is in charge of 200 gurdwaras and 150 temples. (With inputs from agencies)

After a protracted legal battle, 1,200-year-old Hindu temple will be restored in Pakistan

A network of passageways under over 3,000-year-old temple in the Peruvian Andes seems to have been found by archaeologists, media reports said. The temple, which is called Chavin de Huantar, is located in the north-central Andes. It was once a religious and administrative centre for people living in the region. &nbsp;

The discovery of the passageways was made earlier in May. It has features, which seemed to have been built earlier than the labyrinthine galleries of the temple, as per John Rick, archaeologist, Stanford University. He was also involved in the excavation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Around 35 underground passageways seem to have been found in excavations. They all connect with each other. These passageways seem to have been built between 1,200 and 200 years BC and are located 3,200 meters above sea level. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level?

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In 1985, Chavin de Huantar was declared a World Heritage Site. "It's a passageway, but it's very different. It's a different form of construction. It has features from earlier periods that we've never seen in passageways," Rick told Reuters. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

A network of passageways under over 3,000-year-old temple in the Peruvian Andes seems to have been found by archaeologists, media reports said. The temple, which is called Chavin de Huantar, is located in the north-central Andes.

A network of passageways under over 3,000-year-old temple in the Peruvian Andes seems to have been found by archaeologists, media reports said. The temple, which is called Chavin de Huantar, is located in the north-central Andes. It was once a religious and administrative centre for people living in the region. The discovery of the passageways was made earlier in May. It has features, which seemed to have been built earlier than the labyrinthine galleries of the temple, as per John Rick, archaeologist, Stanford University. He was also involved in the excavation. Also Read: Archaeologists uncover hundreds of ancient Egyptian coffins and bronze statues of deities Around 35 underground passageways seem to have been found in excavations. They all connect with each other. These passageways seem to have been built between 1,200 and 200 years BC and are located 3,200 meters above sea level. Watch: Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level? × In 1985, Chavin de Huantar was declared a World Heritage Site. "It's a passageway, but it's very different. It's a different form of construction. It has features from earlier periods that we've never seen in passageways," Rick told Reuters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

35 interlinked passageways under 3,000-year-old Chavin de Huantar temple found by archaeologists

An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-cuet-2022-application-process-for-entrance-exam-for-undergraduate-courses-begins-in-india-468849" hreflang="en">What is CUET 2022? Application process for entrance exam for undergraduate courses begins in India</a>

Muthu said, "I had Tom since 2010 and I loved him more than my child. Unfortunately, in 2021, he died. So, we are making an idol of him. For the past three generations, there has been no one in my family without a dog. My grandparents and my father were all dog lovers." &nbsp;

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Family in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sivaganga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sivaganga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> built a granite statue in memory of their pet dog, perform puja, offer prayers twice a week.. He had been with family for 11yrs &amp; died in 2021..Now is the 1st yr anniv..they also hope to build a small temple for their "son"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DogsofTwittter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DogsofTwittter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dogs</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9JQTFF8dw">pic.twitter.com/R9JQTFF8dw</a>
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The man seems to have broken all kinds of barriers in showing his love for the late pet dog by building temple in his memory.

Watch:&nbsp;A father's labour of love: Vietnamese father converts van into a wooden tank&nbsp;

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Muthu's son Manoj, said, "All of a sudden, Tom developed health issues and died without responding to treatment in January 2021 and my father decided to make a temple for him and took Rs 80,000 from his savings to get a marble statue made. As of now, we offer garland to the statue on auspicious days and on all Fridays." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The temple has also been attracting several visitors from the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal.

An 82-year-old retired government employee has built a temple for his pet dog ‘Tom’ on his farm in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, an ANI report said. Muthu, who lives in Sivaganga’s Manamadurai, was heartbroken after the death of the animal. Also Read: What is CUET 2022? Application process for entrance exam for undergraduate courses begins in India Muthu said, "I had Tom since 2010 and I loved him more than my child. Unfortunately, in 2021, he died. So, we are making an idol of him. For the past three generations, there has been no one in my family without a dog. My grandparents and my father were all dog lovers." Family in #sivaganga #TamilNadu built a granite statue in memory of their pet dog, perform puja, offer prayers twice a week.. He had been with family for 11yrs & died in 2021..Now is the 1st yr anniv..they also hope to build a small temple for their "son"#DogsofTwittter #dogs pic.twitter.com/R9JQTFF8dw — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 5, 2022 × The man seems to have broken all kinds of barriers in showing his love for the late pet dog by building temple in his memory. Watch: A father's labour of love: Vietnamese father converts van into a wooden tank × Muthu's son Manoj, said, "All of a sudden, Tom developed health issues and died without responding to treatment in January 2021 and my father decided to make a temple for him and took Rs 80,000 from his savings to get a marble statue made. As of now, we offer garland to the statue on auspicious days and on all Fridays." The temple has also been attracting several visitors from the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian man constructs temple for pet dog in Tamil Nadu state 

A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/hr-ce-minister-tamilnadu-tamil-nadu-cm-don-t-melt-temple-gold-temple-jewels-not-government-property">Change.org petition</a> against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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It also claims that the government’s hasty actions are violating the orders of the Madras High Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The DMK-led state government had recently announced their plan to melt temple gold (received as donation from devotees) and deposit it in nationalised banks and use the funds so obtained for the maintenance of temples. The government maintains that its Hindu religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&amp;CE) department has appointed a panel headed by three former judges to oversee this process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-finance-minister-participates-in-aiib-board-meet-424258" hreflang="en">Indian finance minister participates in AIIB board meet</a>

Quoting a Madras High Court suo motu judgement from June this year, the petition cites that gold audit for temples had not been done for the last 60 years and that there has been no inventory and centralised registry of the jewels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It adds that the court had directed the relevant State Government Department (HR&amp;CE) to conduct an external audit by India’s Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), under the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), besides creating a central registry and updating the details of the jewels, on a website that can be accessed by the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The petition alleges that the government has been rushing through in their decision and actions to melt temple gold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this regard, it is pointed out in the petition that temple trustees are the sole decision-makers on issues pertaining to melting of temple gold, etc and that the HR&amp;CE department does have the right to decide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delayed-again-who-seeks-more-clarifications-on-made-in-india-covid-shot-covaxin-424319" hreflang="en">Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin</a>

It adds that trustees have not been appointed in several temples for many years. The illegality in allowing temples to function without trustees is also being highlighted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Petitions against this move of the MK Stalin government continue to be heard by the Madras High Court. During an earlier hearing, the government had pointed out that about 500 kg of temple gold had been melted since 1977.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the petitioners opposed to this move and maintain that the government’s function was only to administer the temples and that it did not have the authority to touch the temple gold that was donated by devotees. They also raise questions over whether the antique gold ornaments also were being melted and whether there were clear records for the same.&nbsp;

A Change.org petition against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction. According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted.

A Change.org petition against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to melt temple gold has gone past 40,000 signatures and is gaining further traction. According to the petition, which is addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and officials under him, the secular government does not have any role to decide, which jewels are to be melted. It also claims that the government’s hasty actions are violating the orders of the Madras High Court. The DMK-led state government had recently announced their plan to melt temple gold (received as donation from devotees) and deposit it in nationalised banks and use the funds so obtained for the maintenance of temples. The government maintains that its Hindu religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has appointed a panel headed by three former judges to oversee this process. Also Read: Indian finance minister participates in AIIB board meet Quoting a Madras High Court suo motu judgement from June this year, the petition cites that gold audit for temples had not been done for the last 60 years and that there has been no inventory and centralised registry of the jewels. It adds that the court had directed the relevant State Government Department (HR&CE) to conduct an external audit by India’s Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), under the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), besides creating a central registry and updating the details of the jewels, on a website that can be accessed by the public. The petition alleges that the government has been rushing through in their decision and actions to melt temple gold. In this regard, it is pointed out in the petition that temple trustees are the sole decision-makers on issues pertaining to melting of temple gold, etc and that the HR&CE department does have the right to decide. Also Read | Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin It adds that trustees have not been appointed in several temples for many years. The illegality in allowing temples to function without trustees is also being highlighted. Petitions against this move of the MK Stalin government continue to be heard by the Madras High Court. During an earlier hearing, the government had pointed out that about 500 kg of temple gold had been melted since 1977. However, the petitioners opposed to this move and maintain that the government’s function was only to administer the temples and that it did not have the authority to touch the temple gold that was donated by devotees. They also raise questions over whether the antique gold ornaments also were being melted and whether there were clear records for the same.

Online petition against India's TN govt move to melt temple gold gains traction

Claiming to be a replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, an under-construction temple complex in north-east Thailand has started a controversy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per reports, the Cambodian government looks to send archaeologists and temple architects to inspect if the site is similar to Angkor Wat or not. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, is also a national symbol as it is depicted on Cambodia’s flag. &nbsp;

Watch: 'Kabuliwala' worry about their relatives in Kabul

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Saying the temple has much broader influences, Thailand authorities and the abbot behind the construction have denied trying to imitate the temple. &nbsp;

The temple is being constructed at the Sihanakhon temple complex in Buriram province. Around 100m baht (£2.25m) have already been spent on the project. &nbsp;

Buriram’s cultural official Khattiya Chaimanee said the design instead reflects the typical features of Khmer stone castles, which could be found across architecture in south Isan region, north-east Thailand. &nbsp;

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It also includes the new temple’s Naga Bridge, which is a long walkway crafted in the form of Naga, Chaimanee added. &nbsp;

The design of the temple is not an exact match. “In this temple, the temple clusters are lined up in one row, from the biggest to the smallest, which is completely different to the landscape of Angkor Wat,” said the official.&nbsp;

Claiming to be a replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, an under-construction temple complex in north-east Thailand has started a controversy. As per reports, the Cambodian government looks to send archaeologists and temple architects to inspect if the site is similar to Angkor Wat or not.

Claiming to be a replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, an under-construction temple complex in north-east Thailand has started a controversy. As per reports, the Cambodian government looks to send archaeologists and temple architects to inspect if the site is similar to Angkor Wat or not. Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, is also a national symbol as it is depicted on Cambodia’s flag. Watch: 'Kabuliwala' worry about their relatives in Kabul × Saying the temple has much broader influences, Thailand authorities and the abbot behind the construction have denied trying to imitate the temple. The temple is being constructed at the Sihanakhon temple complex in Buriram province. Around 100m baht (£2.25m) have already been spent on the project. Buriram’s cultural official Khattiya Chaimanee said the design instead reflects the typical features of Khmer stone castles, which could be found across architecture in south Isan region, north-east Thailand. Also Read: British man held for injecting blood through syringes in food items in supermarkets It also includes the new temple’s Naga Bridge, which is a long walkway crafted in the form of Naga, Chaimanee added. The design of the temple is not an exact match. “In this temple, the temple clusters are lined up in one row, from the biggest to the smallest, which is completely different to the landscape of Angkor Wat,” said the official.

New Thailand temple claims to imitate Angkor Wat, sparks row

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday.

The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures.

"Despite the spectacular nature of the accident, the damage to the archaeological heritage is not great," said Leonardo Lopez Lujan, director of the Templo Mayor Project.

In addition to the roof structure, the perimeter fence was damaged, said the culture ministry.

"The impact on pre-Hispanic structures is minor, recoverable and restorable and specialists will take care of this," the ministry said in a statement.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters that experts were assessing the damage.

A security guard suffered minor injuries in the collapse, authorities said.

Built and rebuilt throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Templo Mayor was the sacred heart of the Aztec capital and believed to be the site of many human sacrifices.

The vast religious building was destroyed when the Spanish conquistadors razed Tenochtitlan in 1521 and built a colonial city on top of it.

Archaeologists first uncovered the temple ruins in 1914, but they were not excavated in earnest until the 1970s.

The historic center of Mexico City was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1987.

(With inputs from agencies)

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday. The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures.

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday. The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures. "Despite the spectacular nature of the accident, the damage to the archaeological heritage is not great," said Leonardo Lopez Lujan, director of the Templo Mayor Project. In addition to the roof structure, the perimeter fence was damaged, said the culture ministry. "The impact on pre-Hispanic structures is minor, recoverable and restorable and specialists will take care of this," the ministry said in a statement. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters that experts were assessing the damage. A security guard suffered minor injuries in the collapse, authorities said. Built and rebuilt throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Templo Mayor was the sacred heart of the Aztec capital and believed to be the site of many human sacrifices. The vast religious building was destroyed when the Spanish conquistadors razed Tenochtitlan in 1521 and built a colonial city on top of it. Archaeologists first uncovered the temple ruins in 1914, but they were not excavated in earnest until the 1970s. The historic center of Mexico City was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1987. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico: Roof over famous Aztec temple collapses in hailstorm

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums.

The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pakistans-cases-cross-260000-mark-before-eid-314269">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid</a>

Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country.

Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world".

Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others?

"The prayer &amp; worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter.

He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued.

Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not?

"There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter.

Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.&nbsp;

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists. In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums. The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities. Also read| COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country. Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world". Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others? "The prayer & worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter. He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued. Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not? "There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter. Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.

Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad

Have you ever thought what happens to the flowers that are used for offering prayers to the God or for decoration at the weddings? A flower once plucked becomes floral waste at the end of the day. To tackle this problem there is a solution to it. Watch the video to know about the solution.

International Flower Day: Flower, Waste & Compost - The Journey

Peruvian police said on Tuesday (January 14) they would deport five tourists and prosecute another after they allegedly damaged stonework and defecated among the ruins at Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel that is one of South America's most renowned tourist attractions.

Peru arrests tourists for reportedly defecating, damaging sacred Machu Picchu temple

The renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has chosen to execute a dress code for Lord Shiva devotees before they enter the sanctum.&nbsp;

The dress code for entering the temples was being followed on the orders of the Kashi Vidwat Parishad (the most perceived body of city's Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic specialists).&nbsp;

Those wearing jeans, shirts and pants might have the option to revere the divinity from a separation. They won't be permitted to enter the sanctum.

As indicated by the new guideline, male devotees should wear the 'dhoti-kurta' while ladies should wear a sari to enter the premises.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most adored Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva. The Temple remains on the western bank of the blessed waterway Ganga in Varanasi and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples.

The renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has chosen to execute a dress code for Lord Shiva devotees before they enter the sanctum. The dress code for entering the temples was being followed on the orders of the Kashi Vidwat Parishad (the most perceived body of city's Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic specialists).

The renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has chosen to execute a dress code for Lord Shiva devotees before they enter the sanctum. The dress code for entering the temples was being followed on the orders of the Kashi Vidwat Parishad (the most perceived body of city's Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic specialists). Those wearing jeans, shirts and pants might have the option to revere the divinity from a separation. They won't be permitted to enter the sanctum. As indicated by the new guideline, male devotees should wear the 'dhoti-kurta' while ladies should wear a sari to enter the premises. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most adored Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva. The Temple remains on the western bank of the blessed waterway Ganga in Varanasi and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples.

No more jeans, T-shirt in the sanctum, Kashi Vishwanath Temple enforces dress code for entry in shrine

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-women-returned-from-sabarimala-temple-after-learning-rituals-district-collector-nooh-262648">Sabarimala temple</a> was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning. 
 
A puja was held in the Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala, which was opened amid tight security for the annual pooja on Saturday. 
 
On Saturday, at least 10 women, aged between 10 to 50 years, were sent back from Pamba base camp which is nearly 6 km downhill from the temple.

The police did not let the women,&nbsp;all residents of Andhra Pradesh, trek up to the temple.

Notably, the Kerala government has made it clear that it would not provide security to any woman of menstruating age visiting the shrine, as per Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/traditions-have-to-be-followed-sabarimala-devotees-say-women-should-not-enter-shrine-262615">The opening of the shrine</a> comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling.

The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group.

The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year.

Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

A day after Sabarimala temple was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning.

A day after Sabarimala temple was opened for the 41-day-long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku puja, a score of devotees thronged the shrine in a reserve forest of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday morning. A puja was held in the Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala, which was opened amid tight security for the annual pooja on Saturday. On Saturday, at least 10 women, aged between 10 to 50 years, were sent back from Pamba base camp which is nearly 6 km downhill from the temple. The police did not let the women, all residents of Andhra Pradesh, trek up to the temple. Notably, the Kerala government has made it clear that it would not provide security to any woman of menstruating age visiting the shrine, as per Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran. The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year. Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, when several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Kerala: Devotees pay obeisance at Sabarimala temple

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.

 
"These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI.

The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple.

The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises.&nbsp; 
 
Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. 
 
"All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said.

The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2.&nbsp;

In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old).

(With inputs from ANI)

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh. "These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI. The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple. Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple. The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises. Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. "All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said. The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2. In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old). (With inputs from ANI)

Many women returned from Sabarimala temple after learning rituals: District collector Nooh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-ahead-of-sabarimala-temples-opening-security-arrangements-tightened-in-pathanamthitta-262473">The Sabarimala Temple</a> will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. 
 
Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court. 
 
Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. 
 
"All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he told reporters here. 
 
Women rights activist Trupti Desai, who has been a vehement critic of the restriction on the entry of women of a certain age group in the temple, had said that she will be visiting the shrine after November 20 regardless of whether or not she is provided security cover by the state government. 
 
The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. 
 
The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. 
 
While Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra sent the review petitions to a larger bench, Justices Nariman and Chandrachud authored a dissenting judgment. 
 
The review petitions challenged the authority of the apex court to intervene in the belief of the people. It argued that the temple deity is a "Brahmachari" (celibate) and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. 
 
The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year.

Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-wont-give-protection-to-women-visiting-sabarimala-temple-says-kerala-devaswom-board-minister-262448">Sabarimala temple</a> and its surrounding areas in the state, wherein several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

The Sabarimala Temple will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court.

The Sabarimala Temple will open today for the Mandala Puja amid tight security arrangements in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran had on Friday said that the state government will not provide protection to any woman visiting the temple and those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court. Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. "All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he told reporters here. Women rights activist Trupti Desai, who has been a vehement critic of the restriction on the entry of women of a certain age group in the temple, had said that she will be visiting the shrine after November 20 regardless of whether or not she is provided security cover by the state government. The opening of the shrine comes days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had referred a clutch of petitions seeking review of its order which paved the way for the entry of women into Sabarimala temple in Kerala to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority 3:2 ruling. The top court also observed that the right to worship by an individual cannot outweigh the rights of a religious group. While Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices A M Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra sent the review petitions to a larger bench, Justices Nariman and Chandrachud authored a dissenting judgment. The review petitions challenged the authority of the apex court to intervene in the belief of the people. It argued that the temple deity is a "Brahmachari" (celibate) and "centuries-old beliefs" should not be disturbed by the entry of menstruating women worshippers. The Supreme Court had lifted a traditional ban on entry of women of menstrual age (10-50 years) on September 28 last year. Despite the apex court's ruling, a string of protests took place at the Sabarimala temple and its surrounding areas in the state, wherein several women attempted to visit the shrine but were stopped by Lord Ayyappa devotees.

Kerala: Sabarimala temple to reopen today, tight security in place

'Palani panchamirtham', the holy offering at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Tamil Nadu's Palani hill town, is well known for being one of the oldest forms of jam or fruit mix, but making it sweeter is the successful registration of the geographical indications (GI) tag for the same.&nbsp;

The application for the same was filed by the joint commissioner/executive officer of the temple on June 15, 2016.&nbsp;

While the GI has been registered successfully and it reflects on the intellectual property India website, it could take a couple of days more until the certificate is available, said officials.

According to the GI application, the panchamirtham is classified under foodstuff and its ingredients include- banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey, and cardamom.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puri-beach-becomes-first-in-asia-to-get-blue-flag-tag-224888">Also read:&nbsp;Puri beach becomes first in Asia to get Blue Flag tag</a>

For additional flavour diamond sugar candy and dates are added. It also mentions that the holy offering is prepared under the guidance given by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the government of India undertaking.

Interestingly, panchamirtham finds mention in the ancient Tamil texts and this offering is said to be dating back to the 9th-century AD. In Tamil, ‘Pancha’ means five and 'amirtham' refers to divine nectar.

While the whole process of producing Palani panchamirtham in Palani is automated to cater to the increasing demand, it is also doubly ensured that hygienic aspects are highly maintained.&nbsp;

Despite the Palani panchamirtham being prepared in huge quantities, it is prepared in a natural method without the addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Speaking to WION, a senior examiner of trademarks and GI Prashanth Kumar Bhirappanavar, said, ''The concerned people register their products so that others do not misuse its name for profit-making and other purposes. To get a GI certificate there is a long procedure ranging from application, evaluation, notification in the gazette etc. In this case it has taken a little over three years for the registration to be successful, but there are also cases where it has taken longer due to the submission of all necessary documents and other procedures.''&nbsp;

The Palani panchamirtham is first produced in large quantities and a part of it taken to the perform ‘abhishegam’ (anointing) to the idol of lord Dhandayuthapani.&nbsp;

This is then later mixed with the larger portion and served to the public.&nbsp;

Even a single drop of water is not added during the preparation process of the Palani panchamirtham. This gives the Palani panchamirtham the semisolid state and makes it possible for the person who tastes to get the actual taste of the raw materials used.&nbsp;

According to historical accounts, the idol of lord Dhandayuthapani on which the abhishegam of the panchamirtham is performed is a ‘navapashana’ constitution of herbs that are of high medicinal value.&nbsp;

When the Palani panchamirtham runs over the medicinal idol, it attains curing effects.&nbsp;

It is also believed to cure the diseases of the devotees when consumed.&nbsp;

'Palani panchamirtham', the holy offering at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Tamil Nadu's Palani hill town, is well known for being one of the oldest forms of jam or fruit mix, but making it sweeter is the successful registration of the geographical indications (GI) tag for the same.

'Palani panchamirtham', the holy offering at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Tamil Nadu's Palani hill town, is well known for being one of the oldest forms of jam or fruit mix, but making it sweeter is the successful registration of the geographical indications (GI) tag for the same. The application for the same was filed by the joint commissioner/executive officer of the temple on June 15, 2016. While the GI has been registered successfully and it reflects on the intellectual property India website, it could take a couple of days more until the certificate is available, said officials. According to the GI application, the panchamirtham is classified under foodstuff and its ingredients include- banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey, and cardamom. Also read: Puri beach becomes first in Asia to get Blue Flag tag For additional flavour diamond sugar candy and dates are added. It also mentions that the holy offering is prepared under the guidance given by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the government of India undertaking. Interestingly, panchamirtham finds mention in the ancient Tamil texts and this offering is said to be dating back to the 9th-century AD. In Tamil, ‘Pancha’ means five and 'amirtham' refers to divine nectar. While the whole process of producing Palani panchamirtham in Palani is automated to cater to the increasing demand, it is also doubly ensured that hygienic aspects are highly maintained. Despite the Palani panchamirtham being prepared in huge quantities, it is prepared in a natural method without the addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Speaking to WION, a senior examiner of trademarks and GI Prashanth Kumar Bhirappanavar, said, ''The concerned people register their products so that others do not misuse its name for profit-making and other purposes. To get a GI certificate there is a long procedure ranging from application, evaluation, notification in the gazette etc. In this case it has taken a little over three years for the registration to be successful, but there are also cases where it has taken longer due to the submission of all necessary documents and other procedures.'' The Palani panchamirtham is first produced in large quantities and a part of it taken to the perform ‘abhishegam’ (anointing) to the idol of lord Dhandayuthapani. This is then later mixed with the larger portion and served to the public. Even a single drop of water is not added during the preparation process of the Palani panchamirtham. This gives the Palani panchamirtham the semisolid state and makes it possible for the person who tastes to get the actual taste of the raw materials used. According to historical accounts, the idol of lord Dhandayuthapani on which the abhishegam of the panchamirtham is performed is a ‘navapashana’ constitution of herbs that are of high medicinal value. When the Palani panchamirtham runs over the medicinal idol, it attains curing effects. It is also believed to cure the diseases of the devotees when consumed.

'Panchamirtham' the holy offering of Tamil Nadu's Palani temple gets GI tag

Pakistani authorities have reopened an ancient temple for the country's tiny Hindu community in the industrial city of Sialkot despite increasing tensions with neighboring India over Kashmir.

Pakistan temple reopened after 72 years

A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition.

The Hindu stopped visiting the temple after a mob damaged it in 1992 while protesting against the demolition of Babri Mosque in India.

The Samaa news reported that the step was taken on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"People are free to visit anytime," said Deputy Commissioner Bilal Haider.

The government also said that the work to preserve and restore the temple will start soon.

A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition.

A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition. The Hindu stopped visiting the temple after a mob damaged it in 1992 while protesting against the demolition of Babri Mosque in India. The Samaa news reported that the step was taken on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan. "People are free to visit anytime," said Deputy Commissioner Bilal Haider. The government also said that the work to preserve and restore the temple will start soon.

1,000-year old temple re-opens after 72 years in Pakistan's Sialkot

Kantajew temple, situated in the Dinajpur district in northern Bangladesh, is a late-medieval heritage site with one of the most amazing historical architectures of the country, that is tremendously valuable and worthy of preservation.

In 1704, Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur started the original construction of the temple and it took another 48 years to complete the structure.&nbsp;

In 1752, the entire work of the temple was completed under the reign of Raja Ramnath, son of Maharaja Pran Nath.

The beautiful temple, with signature designs visible in the magnificently laid edifice with ornate terracotta, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha and depicts the tales of Mahabharata and Ramayana on its walls.

The deities are placed at a higher pedestal inside the temple, whereby the devotees only offer prayers from a distance.

Every year on Janmashtami, the statue of Radha Krishna is taken by the boat through the river to Dinajpur to the King`s palace for two months.

The Prahlad Trust and the archaeological department of Bangladesh look after the temple.

Kantajew temple, situated in the Dinajpur district in northern Bangladesh, is a late-medieval heritage site with one of the most amazing historical architectures of the country, that is tremendously valuable and worthy of preservation.

Kantajew temple, situated in the Dinajpur district in northern Bangladesh, is a late-medieval heritage site with one of the most amazing historical architectures of the country, that is tremendously valuable and worthy of preservation. In 1704, Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur started the original construction of the temple and it took another 48 years to complete the structure. In 1752, the entire work of the temple was completed under the reign of Raja Ramnath, son of Maharaja Pran Nath. The beautiful temple, with signature designs visible in the magnificently laid edifice with ornate terracotta, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha and depicts the tales of Mahabharata and Ramayana on its walls. The deities are placed at a higher pedestal inside the temple, whereby the devotees only offer prayers from a distance. Every year on Janmashtami, the statue of Radha Krishna is taken by the boat through the river to Dinajpur to the King`s palace for two months. The Prahlad Trust and the archaeological department of Bangladesh look after the temple.

18th century temple keeps Hinduism alive in Bangladesh

Thousands of devotees gathered at a temple in India's western Pune city on Monday (June 24) to take part in a pilgrimage in honour of Hindu saints.

Devotees showcase spirit of religious ardour at pilgrimage in western India

Ahead of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-neighbourhood-first-pm-modi-leaves-for-first-foreign-visit-on-saturday-225292">visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers. Prime Minister paid for the prayers and rituals via digital payment mode.

The prime minister will is expected to address BJP workers for the first time in Kerala after his astounding victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

He arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

At the airport, Modi was received by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Governor of Kerala Justice P. Sathasivam, and a number of other dignitaries.

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"Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji to offer prayers at #Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple on June 8. Public meet at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna HS Ground at 10:00 am. All are Welcome," BJP's Kerala unit had tweeted on Friday.

PM Modi will later proceed for his state visit to the Maldives, a day after which he is slated to visit Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to Kerala comes at a time when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Wayanad.

In the recently concluded polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) bagged 19 out of the 20 seats in Kerala while the BJP drew a blank.&nbsp;

Ahead of his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers.

Ahead of his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning visited Guruvayur temple in Thrissur, Kerala and offered prayers. Prime Minister paid for the prayers and rituals via digital payment mode. The prime minister will is expected to address BJP workers for the first time in Kerala after his astounding victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. At the airport, Modi was received by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Governor of Kerala Justice P. Sathasivam, and a number of other dignitaries. Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur. pic.twitter.com/nJIH2tDW3f — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × "Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji to offer prayers at #Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple on June 8. Public meet at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna HS Ground at 10:00 am. All are Welcome," BJP's Kerala unit had tweeted on Friday. PM Modi will later proceed for his state visit to the Maldives, a day after which he is slated to visit Sri Lanka. The foreign engagements will be the first to be undertaken by him after coming back to power for a second term as the Prime Minister. Modi's visit to Kerala comes at a time when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Wayanad. In the recently concluded polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) bagged 19 out of the 20 seats in Kerala while the BJP drew a blank.

Ahead of visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, PM Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur temple in Thrissur

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu owns 9.276 kg of gold and 1.3 billion rupees in cash, a report has revealed.

The data was made public on Wednesday, for the first time in history, by a committee formed by the government to investigate the assets owned by the shrine.

The committee had carried out a study and survey on the basis of prevailing data over a period of 10 months.

After analysing the record from Pashupati Area Development Trusts` (PADT) Financial Department, the committee found out that a total of 1.3 billion rupees has been deposited in banks.

Built in the 5th century, the shrine is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva.&nbsp;

The lands, rest houses and sattals of the temple fall under the unmovable properties of the temple. Currently, 994.14 hectares land is covered by three offices which fall under the PADT.

Apart from it, the record of utensils in "Bombe Treasury" owned by temple and property of various Guthis which falls under the temple is yet to be surveyed.&nbsp;

However, the committee did not count the gold, silvers, currencies, ornaments and other pieces of jewellery offered to the temple that is kept in the main treasury of the temple.

The Supreme Court of Nepal had passed an order to keep the treasury closed.&nbsp;

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu owns 9.276 kg of gold and 1.3 billion rupees in cash, a report has revealed. The data was made public on Wednesday, for the first time in history, by a committee formed by the government to investigate the assets owned by the shrine.

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu owns 9.276 kg of gold and 1.3 billion rupees in cash, a report has revealed. The data was made public on Wednesday, for the first time in history, by a committee formed by the government to investigate the assets owned by the shrine. The committee had carried out a study and survey on the basis of prevailing data over a period of 10 months. After analysing the record from Pashupati Area Development Trusts` (PADT) Financial Department, the committee found out that a total of 1.3 billion rupees has been deposited in banks. Built in the 5th century, the shrine is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. The lands, rest houses and sattals of the temple fall under the unmovable properties of the temple. Currently, 994.14 hectares land is covered by three offices which fall under the PADT. Apart from it, the record of utensils in "Bombe Treasury" owned by temple and property of various Guthis which falls under the temple is yet to be surveyed. However, the committee did not count the gold, silvers, currencies, ornaments and other pieces of jewellery offered to the temple that is kept in the main treasury of the temple. The Supreme Court of Nepal had passed an order to keep the treasury closed.

Nepal: Pashupatinath temple owns over 9kg gold, 1.3 billion rupees cash

The foundation stone laying ceremony (Shilanyas Vidhi) of the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foundation-station-of-first-hindu-temple-in-uae-to-be-laid-on-april-20-210957">Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi</a>, UAE took place on Saturday in the presence of more than 2,000 members of the Hindu community and Indian envoy to the UAE, Navdeep Suri. Several UAE ministers were also present and witnessed the ceremony that lasted over two hours.

Reading out PM Modi's message, the Indian envoy said, "the temple will reflect India's timeless values of faith, harmony and love. I am sure, this temple will be a source of inspiration, for 33 lakh Indians residing in the UAE, as well as for people from all other communities".

The PM, in his message, said that the temple "embodies the timeless Vedic values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family)" and once completed the temple "will symbolise the universal human values and spiritual ethos that form a shared heritage of both India and the UAE."

Conveying the greetings "on behalf of 130 crore Indians" to "dear friend" the Crown Prince of Abu Dabhi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the PM "deeply appreciated his vision for the future" of India-UAE ties and placed "on record" New Delhi's appreciation of the "continued support of the UAE."&nbsp;

Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

UAE in 2015 had decided to allot a plot of land for construction of the temple. The decision was taken during PM Modi's first visit to the west Asian country.

Saturday's development comes in the backdrop of the UAE celebrating its year of tolerance and this temple, the PM said, is "an expression of UAE's love, friendship and faith in India".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of the temple through live feed and unveiled a replica of the temple complex in Dubai in February of 2018 during his visit to the country.

UAE-India ties in the last few years have grown manifold especially with a number of high-level visits.

PM Modi first visited the country in August 2015 which was followed by the visit of the crown prince in 2016. The following year, the crown prince was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade and again in 2018, PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. The PM was, a few weeks ago, honoured by the highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal- of the country.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, in a first, the UAE invited India as a guest of honour at the organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet despite reservations from Pakistan.

More than 3 million Indians have made the country their home and there are approximately 1,000 direct flights per week between various destinations of India and the UAE. 
&nbsp;

The foundation stone laying ceremony (Shilanyas Vidhi) of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE took place on Saturday in the presence of more than 2,000 members of the Hindu community and Indian envoy to the UAE, Navdeep Suri.

The foundation stone laying ceremony (Shilanyas Vidhi) of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE took place on Saturday in the presence of more than 2,000 members of the Hindu community and Indian envoy to the UAE, Navdeep Suri. Several UAE ministers were also present and witnessed the ceremony that lasted over two hours. Reading out PM Modi's message, the Indian envoy said, "the temple will reflect India's timeless values of faith, harmony and love. I am sure, this temple will be a source of inspiration, for 33 lakh Indians residing in the UAE, as well as for people from all other communities". The PM, in his message, said that the temple "embodies the timeless Vedic values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family)" and once completed the temple "will symbolise the universal human values and spiritual ethos that form a shared heritage of both India and the UAE." Conveying the greetings "on behalf of 130 crore Indians" to "dear friend" the Crown Prince of Abu Dabhi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the PM "deeply appreciated his vision for the future" of India-UAE ties and placed "on record" New Delhi's appreciation of the "continued support of the UAE." Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. UAE in 2015 had decided to allot a plot of land for construction of the temple. The decision was taken during PM Modi's first visit to the west Asian country. Saturday's development comes in the backdrop of the UAE celebrating its year of tolerance and this temple, the PM said, is "an expression of UAE's love, friendship and faith in India". Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of the temple through live feed and unveiled a replica of the temple complex in Dubai in February of 2018 during his visit to the country. UAE-India ties in the last few years have grown manifold especially with a number of high-level visits. PM Modi first visited the country in August 2015 which was followed by the visit of the crown prince in 2016. The following year, the crown prince was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade and again in 2018, PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. The PM was, a few weeks ago, honoured by the highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal- of the country. Earlier this year, in a first, the UAE invited India as a guest of honour at the organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet despite reservations from Pakistan. More than 3 million Indians have made the country their home and there are approximately 1,000 direct flights per week between various destinations of India and the UAE.

UAE's Hindu temple reflects India's timeless values of faith, harmony and love: PM Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat.

The announcement was made by Rupani at a gathering in Palanpur in Banaskantha district, around 145 km from here.

The move means that non-vegetarian food, such as meat and chicken, cannot be sold near the premises of these two temples.

While the Somnath temple is in Gir-Somnath district, the Ambaji temple is in Banaskantha district.

"I hereby declare a 500-metre area surrounding the pilgrimage places -- Somnath and Ambaji -- as vegetarian zones. From now on, there will be a total ban on selling non-vegetarian food in these areas," Rupani told the gathering.

Several religious outfits and the residents of these pilgrimage centres had been demanding such a measure since long.

Both the temples are top religious sites for Hindus, attracting pilgrims from all over the country as well as abroad.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat. The announcement was made by Rupani at a gathering in Palanpur in Banaskantha district, around 145 km from here. The move means that non-vegetarian food, such as meat and chicken, cannot be sold near the premises of these two temples. While the Somnath temple is in Gir-Somnath district, the Ambaji temple is in Banaskantha district. "I hereby declare a 500-metre area surrounding the pilgrimage places -- Somnath and Ambaji -- as vegetarian zones. From now on, there will be a total ban on selling non-vegetarian food in these areas," Rupani told the gathering. Several religious outfits and the residents of these pilgrimage centres had been demanding such a measure since long. Both the temples are top religious sites for Hindus, attracting pilgrims from all over the country as well as abroad.

Gujarat: 500-metre area around Somnath, Ambaji temples declared 'veg zones'

Clashes erupted near the Sabarimala temple in Kerala again on Wednesday morning as two women made an unsuccessful <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-independent-mlas-withdraw-support-to-kumaraswamy-govt-in-karnataka-190609">attempt to trek up to the hill shrine</a>.

The women, below 50 years of age, attempted to climb the hill and offer prayers in the temple at around 4 am.

Dressed&nbsp;as men, the women were accompanied by police personnel and had managed to cross the base camp.

They were however identified by male pilgrims at the temple who started protesting against their entry into the temple.

The protest escalated after over hundreds of others joined.

Thereafter the police along with the two women had to retreat.

The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-un-encourages-all-to-respect-rule-of-law-says-antonio-guterres-spokesperson-188383">Supreme Court order</a> allowing women of all age to offer prayers there.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

Two&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-first-after-supreme-court-verdict-2-women-below-50-enter-sabarimala-temple-187812">women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple</a>&nbsp;earlier this month and offered prayers at the main shrine.

Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered the temple, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. &nbsp;

Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said.

According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

&nbsp;

Clashes erupted near the Sabarimala temple in Kerala again on Wednesday morning as two women made an unsuccessful attempt to trek up to the hill shrine. The women, below 50 years of age, attempted to climb the hill and offer prayers in the temple at around 4 am.

Clashes erupted near the Sabarimala temple in Kerala again on Wednesday morning as two women made an unsuccessful attempt to trek up to the hill shrine. The women, below 50 years of age, attempted to climb the hill and offer prayers in the temple at around 4 am. Dressed as men, the women were accompanied by police personnel and had managed to cross the base camp. They were however identified by male pilgrims at the temple who started protesting against their entry into the temple. The protest escalated after over hundreds of others joined. Thereafter the police along with the two women had to retreat. The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a Supreme Court order allowing women of all age to offer prayers there. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. Two women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple earlier this month and offered prayers at the main shrine. Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who had entered the temple, has alleged that she was thrashed by her mother-in-law for defying the ban. Durga, 39, a civil servant, suffered injuries to her head and had to be hospitalised, police said. According to reports, the women trekked to the hill shrine on January 2. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

Protest breaks out at Sabarimala after 2 women try to enter temple

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-un-encourages-all-to-respect-rule-of-law-says-antonio-guterres-spokesperson-188383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbjNCdre_fAhUiTY8KHaS-Dus4FBAWCAgwAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WgfWvL7LDftKG4MS7RdIn">Sabarimala</a> verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave "due to some medical reasons".

The bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S K Kaul, said the hearing, which is scheduled to start from January 22, may not take place.

The observation came after lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara mentioned the petition filed by the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA) and sought live streaming of the hearing on the petitions seeking review of the apex court's verdict on January 22.

NADA asked for live streaming and video recording of the court proceedings during the hearing of the review petitions so "justice is made accessible to common man".

If the proceedings are allowed to be telecast, millions of devotees of Lord Ayyappa, not merely in Kerala, but all over the world, will have the opportunity to hear and watch what transpired in the court, it said.

"There cannot be an issue of greater importance of public interest or concern than the Sabarimala case. Video recording of the said case would mean the entire proceeding thereof being perpetually available for posterity," the petition said.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the&nbsp;then chief justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

The temple in Kerala has been witnessing violent protests since the verdict.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may not start hearing pleas seeking a review of the Sabarimala verdict from January 22 as one of the judges is on medical leave. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge of the five-judge constitution bench which delivered the verdict allowing all women inside the Sabarimala temple, is on leave "due to some medical reasons". The bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S K Kaul, said the hearing, which is scheduled to start from January 22, may not take place. The observation came after lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara mentioned the petition filed by the National Ayyappa Devotees' Association (NADA) and sought live streaming of the hearing on the petitions seeking review of the apex court's verdict on January 22. NADA asked for live streaming and video recording of the court proceedings during the hearing of the review petitions so "justice is made accessible to common man". If the proceedings are allowed to be telecast, millions of devotees of Lord Ayyappa, not merely in Kerala, but all over the world, will have the opportunity to hear and watch what transpired in the court, it said. "There cannot be an issue of greater importance of public interest or concern than the Sabarimala case. Video recording of the said case would mean the entire proceeding thereof being perpetually available for posterity," the petition said. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the temple, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination. The temple in Kerala has been witnessing violent protests since the verdict.

Judge on medical leave, Supreme Court may not start hearing Sabarimala review pleas from January 22

Cambodia Diaries: A pictorial journey to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom- Temple complexes

The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-15-bottles-of-pesticides-were-added-to-the-prasad-that-killed-15-says-police-185397">Karnataka temple</a> where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday.

The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village.

The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management.

The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple.

Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital. On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village. The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management. The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple. Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Death toll after consuming prasad at temple in Karnataka escalates to 17

Days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-over-10-dead-dozens-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-govt-announces-5-lakh-to-families-of-deceased-184107">15 people died</a> of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-11-dead-over-50-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-at-a-temple-in-karnataka-184133">eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka</a>, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad&nbsp;(temple offerings) while it was being prepared.

The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said.

"Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar.

The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said.

On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said.

15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple.

He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple.

"The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said.

In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said.

The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said.

The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad (temple offerings) while it was being prepared. The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said. "Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar. The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said. On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said. 15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple. He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple. "The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said. In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said. The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said. The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Karnataka: Bottles of pesticides were mixed in temple offerings, says Police

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said.

The ill-stricken people were admitted to various hospitals in multiple locations in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru district.

The district health officer said that poison might have gotten mixed with the 'prasad', which eventually lead to this tragedy.

“It is suspected that the prasad was laced with poison. A team would be constituted to conduct a probe. The samples of the Prasad have already been sent to the lab. The exact reason would be ascertained only after receiving the reports," Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner B B Kaveri said.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased, also&nbsp;the government will pay for treatment charges and ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further and report the matter immediately.

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Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased in the Chamrajanagar food poisoning incident. 
The CM held a meeting to discuss the accident that took place at Sulvadi village.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1073622660926636032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CM has announced that the Govt will bear the medical expenses of all those affected in the food poisoning incident. He also ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further &amp; report the matter immediately.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1073622664558841862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the K.R. Hospital, Mysuru, where the injured from the Chamarajanagar food poisoning incident is being treated. He consoled the victims of the tragedy, in which 8 people were dead and several others were taken ill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chamarajanagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chamarajanagar</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZsYyhLckJr">pic.twitter.com/ZsYyhLckJr</a>
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Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration."

"The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.&nbsp;

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said.

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said. The ill-stricken people were admitted to various hospitals in multiple locations in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru district. The district health officer said that poison might have gotten mixed with the 'prasad', which eventually lead to this tragedy. “It is suspected that the prasad was laced with poison. A team would be constituted to conduct a probe. The samples of the Prasad have already been sent to the lab. The exact reason would be ascertained only after receiving the reports," Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner B B Kaveri said. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased, also the government will pay for treatment charges and ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further and report the matter immediately. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased in the Chamrajanagar food poisoning incident. The CM held a meeting to discuss the accident that took place at Sulvadi village. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × CM has announced that the Govt will bear the medical expenses of all those affected in the food poisoning incident. He also ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further & report the matter immediately. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the K.R. Hospital, Mysuru, where the injured from the Chamarajanagar food poisoning incident is being treated. He consoled the victims of the tragedy, in which 8 people were dead and several others were taken ill. #Chamarajanagar pic.twitter.com/ZsYyhLckJr — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration." "The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.

At least 11 dead, over 50 hospitalised after consuming prasad at a temple in Karnataka

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