Denying temple entry does not have religious sanction: Naidu

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Thursday deprecated some communities being not allowed into temples, saying there was no religious sanction for it.

Hindu texts held sacred like the Vedas or Upanishads does not prescribe such restrictions, he said and batted for a change in indiviual mindset to reverse such practises and usher in larger societal change.

"...you have certain cases where some communities are not allowed into temples. What is this? Who told you? No veda, no upanishads has pressed that only particular community should be allowed," Naidu said in his convocation address at the Presidency College here.

Societal changes should happen and to facilitate it a change in mindset was needed, he told the students adding,"you must have a progressive outlook."
"You should grow up with courage and conviction to question the irrational and critique the illogical. You should develop the moral fibre and strength of character to shape and develop your own opinions and view points."