Now, non-Hindus can't enter Somnath temple sans permit

The famous pilgrim place of Lord Shiva, the Somnath temple in Gujarat, will now be off-limits for non-Hindus as authorities have decided to restrict entry without prior permission for people following other faiths.

Authorities cited security concerns and protection of  ‘sanctity’ of a religious place for the restriction, saying other religions do not allow non-followers to enter their sacred places.

“Shree Somnath Jyotirling is a pilgrimage for Hindus. Non-Hindus will have to obtain permission from general manager’s office (of the temple) to enter the sacred pilgrim-place,” said a notice put up by temple authorities at the main entrance gate on Monday.

Daily thousands of devotees from across the country visit the temple heavily protected by police. The famous Shiva temple, located near Veraval town of Gir-Somnath district, is governed by a trustee board headed by former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani are other trustees.

“The decision was taken by the Somnath Trust’s secretary P K Lahiri two to three days ago and we put a notice,” Vijaysinh Chavda, deputy manager of Somnath trust told PTI.

Chavda said the decision has been taken due to security reasons.