Page 103 - Religion Belief

Sabarimala is South's Ayodhya: VHP

Responding to the comparison drawn by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury between the violence in Sabarimala and the uproar witnessed during the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Sabarimala Temple was southern India's Ayodhya.Speaking to ANI, Bansal thanked the devotees who have been aggressively protesting against the Supreme Court's verdict that quashed restrictions imposed on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple."Good that Sitharam Yechury has himself compared Sabarimala with Ayodhya because yes Sabarimala is South's Ayodhya. The way sanctity, religious belief and the serenity of Sabarimala have been attacked shows the reality of the CPI (M). The CPI (M) remains blind and ignorant on Kerala nun suffering, the way non-Hindus are appointed in Travancore Devaswom Board. I appreciate and thank the people who are protesting and saving the sanctity of the temple," the

Shekhar Gupta: Courts of divine jurisdiction

Awful religious practices need to be abolished. But by social and political reformers, not courts

People need to follow path of Lord Ram to destroy those promoting terrorism: Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that people need to follow the path of Lord Ram to destroy those promoting terrorism and naxalism, embrace 'Harijans' and conserve the tradition of seers. "The personality of Lord Ram signifies Hindu dharma (religion) and inspire us to fight against evil. He is not only worshipped in India but also in various parts of the world," the chief minister said. Speaking at the Ramlila ground here on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi, he alleged that some neighbouring countries are promoting terrorism, separatism, naxalism and they have become dangerous like Ravana. "We should take a pledge to destroy them like Lord Ram destroyed Ravana," the chief minister said. "Our traditions and customs are not based on backwardness but they are very much scientific and conserve environment. They unite the country in a string and we need to join hands to find anti-national and anti-social elements and destroy them and this is the message of Vijay ...

Holy Land churches urge Israel PM to block property law

Three major Holy Land churches on Friday called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to block draft legislation they said was aimed at expropriating their property. In a letter to Netanyahu seen by AFP, heads of the Armenian and Greek Orthodox churches in Jerusalem and a senior Roman Catholic official condemned the bill as "disgraceful". They said its inclusion on the agenda of a government committee meeting scheduled for Sunday reneged on previous commitments to withdraw the law. Swathes of Jerusalem are held by various churches, in many cases under long-term leases from the state. The churches then sublet the properties on the commercial market. In February, Jerusalem municipality began enforcing tax collection on church property -- excluding places of worship. Separately, parliament was working on a law that would allow the state to intervene in the resale of leases to commercial property developers. The religious leaders protested by closing the Church of the Holy ...

Mangaluru Dasara ends with 'Sobha Yatra'

The 'Sobha Yatra' (procession) marking the culmination of this year's Mangaluru Dasara celebrations began from the Kudroli Gokarnanatheswara temple here Friday evening. The grand procession, in which thousands of devotees are taking part, began at the temple complex and will conclude at the same venue with the immersion of the idols at the Pushkarini pond in the temple premises early Saturday. Idols of Navadurga, goddess Sharada Devi and Lord Ganesha are being carried in the procession by the crowd in a festive mood. The procession began with rituals held at the temple in the presence of veteran Congress leader and organiser of the event B Janardhana Poojary and other office-bearers of the temple. Over 70 tableaux, music bands, decorative umbrellas and performance of folk artiste groups from across the state are the main attractions of the procession. The city had been illuminated with colourful lamps for the past nine days as part of the celebrations. Chief Minister H D

HC restrains recital of Desika Prabandam in Kancheepuram

The Madras High Court has observed as long as the globe exists, the differences between two sects of Vaishnavite devotees over rituals to be followed in a temple would not be resolved. Justice S Vaidyanathan made the observation in his order while restraining the authorities of the Kancheepuram Devarajaswamy temple from permitting recital of Tamil Prabandam of 13th century saint Vedanta Desika in the shrine till further orders. He passed the interim order at a special sitting Thursday to hear an urgent plea moved by K B Srinivasan, a devotee of the temple, seeking to prohibit reciting of the prabandam. The issue pertains to long-standing disputes between Vadakalai and Tenkalai sects of Iyengar community of Vaishnavites on their right to perform rituals and recite vedas and prabandam in the temple. Originally, A K Suresh, a devotee belonging to the Vadakalai sect, approached the court seeking direction to the authorities to permit them to recite prabandam of Vedanta ...

Saudi cleric slams 'fabrications' over missing journalist

The prayer leader at Mecca's Grand Mosque called Friday for "unity" in the face of "fabrications" against Saudi Arabia, over two weeks after a dissident journalist's disappearance sparked a diplomatic crisis. Riyadh has faced mounting international pressure since Jamal Khashoggi went missing after entering Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate on October 2. Pro-government Turkish media have reported he was tortured and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad, claims rejected by Riyadh. "Repeated accusations, allegations and biased media campaigns will not discourage (Saudi Arabia) from holding to its principles," Sheikh Abderrahman al-Sadis said during a sermon accompanying Friday prayers at the mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. The kingdom "depends on God alone, then on the wisdom of its leadership and the unity of its sons to fight false allegations", he added. He urged Saudis to "depend on the facts and avoid jumping into speculation and basing positions on... fabrications", adding .

On Dussehra, HP CM Thakur asks people to kill the demon of drugs

On the occasion of Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Friday urged the people of the hill-state to "work collectively" to kill the demon of drug abuse. Participating in the festivities at the famous Jakhu temple here, Thakur said the festival symbolised the victory of good over evil as the effigies of demon king Ravan, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Megnad were set on fire. Earlier, the chief minister laid the foundation stone of a religious museum at the temple complex to be constructed at a cost of Rs 9 lakh. He also performed puja at the historic temple. The festival was celebrated at various places in the hill-state with religious fervour.

President Kovind, PM Modi celebrate Dussehra at Red Fort

The festival of Dussehra culminated on Friday with effigy of Ravana being burnt at Red Fort in Delhi marking the evil's destruction. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present at the celebration organised by the Luv Kush committee.The committee, in a statement, said that this year they reduced the size of the effigies from 120 to 60 feet "for eco-friendly celebration".Earlier in the day, the President extended the festival's greeting through Twitter. "On the occasion of Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi, Dussehra greetings and Shubho Bijoya to fellow citizens. This is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. May the day bring happiness to our families and our shared society," he tweeted.Prime Minister also wished the people of the country on the auspicious occasion.Dussehra, a Hindu festival is celebrated at the end of Navratri every year, remembering God Ram's victory over the Ravana. In the northern and western states, the festival is celebrated with ...

Kovind, Modi attend 'Ravan Dahan' at Ramlila Maidan

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attended the celebratory burning of Ravan's effigy on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi' at the Ramlila Maidan here.

Sabarimala board to submit report to SC

The custodian of the Sabarimala temple, Travancore Devasom Board (TDB), has decided to submit a detailed report about the happenings in and around the temple both to the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court.

PM Modi concludes Shirdi visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his one-day trip to Shirdi after visiting the renowned Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex and commemorating the centenary year of Saibaba Samadhi here on Friday.Prime Minister paid his respects at the Samadhi Temple before taking part in the rituals at the sanctum sanctorum of the Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex.He unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of various development works at the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust.He also released a silver coin to commemorate the centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi handed over keys to beneficiaries of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G) during a public event here.Prime Minister Modi also interacted with beneficiaries of 29 districts through video conferencing before addressing a public rally.

Sabarimala row: Unidentified miscreants vandalise activist's house

Unidentified miscreants on Friday allegedly vandalised the house of woman activist Rehana Fatima who had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Sabarimala Temple in the state.Fatima had gone up to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal, this morning under police protection. Both retreated midway after a meeting with Kerala Inspector General of Police (IGP) S. Sreejith.Fatima, who had to return without going to the shrine, claimed that people who want to disrupt peace, not devotees, had stopped them from visiting the shrine. She told reporters here after her return, "People, not the devotees, who want to disrupt peace didn't allow us to enter. I want to know what was the reason (to stop us)? Tell me, in which way one needs to be a devotee? You tell me that first and then I will tell you if I am a devotee or not.""I don't know what happened to my children. My life is also in danger. But they (police) have said that they will provide protection. That is why I am going ..

Nepal President, Prime Minister greet nation on Vijaya Dashami

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday greeted the nation on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami and said that the festival provides an opportunity for reunion of families and exchange of happiness. Hindus across Nepal are observing Vijaya Dashami festivities, the biggest festival in the Himalayan country. "Our cultures are the greatest treasures of the country, contributing significantly in maintaining social unity, communal harmony and mutual goodwill," President Bhandari said in her Vijaya Dashami message. She said the festival would provide an opportunity for the reunion among the families and exchange of happiness. "The festivals that have been observed in our society since time immemorial are the pillars to keep our cultural identity and unity intact and to unite the geographical, religious, racial, cultural and linguistic diversity in the country," she said. President Bhandari and former King Gyanendra separately offered 'tika' to ...

Pandalam Palace Trust's letter endorses Sabarimala closure to protect rituals

The Pandalam Palace Trust on Friday wrote a letter to functionaries of Sabarimala Temple asking them to shut down the temple in case of any breach of rituals.The letter, which is addressed to executive officer and administrative officer of Sabarimala Devaswom, said that if anything happens at the temple against the rituals, it must be shut down.In case of any breach of rituals, the temple should be reopened only after the Tantri (head priest) cleanses the shrine, the letter further said.The Pandalam Royal family, who claimed to have a strong bond with Lord Ayyappa, had earlier said that if all women are allowed to enter the temple then the Lord would curse devotees with bad fortune.The royal family had also organised a peaceful protest on October 12 against the Supreme Court's verdict, which allowed entry of women of all age groups in the temple.Earlier in the day, State Devaswom (religious trusts) Minister Kadakampally Surendran said that people of all ages would be allowed to go ...

Taiwan says will continue to push for papal visit

Taiwan said Friday it would continue to push for a papal visit to the island after the Vatican turned down its most recent invitation. Vice president Chen Chien-jen made the invitation during an audience with the pope Sunday as Taiwan seeks to deepen ties with its only ally in Europe after the Holy See signed a historic deal with Beijing. The landmark agreement last month on the appointment of bishops paved the way for a rapprochement between the Vatican and China. That raised questions over the future of official ties between Taiwan and the Holy See as China makes a concerted effort to poach its dwindling number of diplomatic allies. The Vatican issued a brief statement Thursday saying a visit to Taiwan "by the Holy Father is not being planned". Taiwan's foreign ministry said Friday it would not be deterred. "Over the past years, we and the Bishop's Conference have extended invitations to the Pope to visit, to experience first hand Taiwan's religious freedom and progress in many ...

100 policemen accompany 2 women to Sabarimala

At least 100 policemen were accompanying two women, a journalist and a devotee, towards the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on Friday amidst protests.

Two women begin climbing Sabarimala hill amid strong protests

Two women, including a reporter from Hyderabad, began trekking to Sabarimala hill Friday amid strong protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple. Their attempt to reach the shrine came a day after a New Delhi-based woman reporter of a foreign media outlet made a failed bid to visit the temple. Police led by IG S Sreejithhave have thrown a security ring around the women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam. There have been strong protests by devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Lord Ayyappa temple. The woman reporter is in her late 20s while the details of the second woman, who was carrying Irumudikkettu (holy bundle), was not immediately known. If they climbed the hills, they would be the first women from the menstruating age group to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups to enter the shrine. On ...

Italy expels suspected Moroccan, Egyptian extremists

Rome, Oct 19 (IANS/AKI) Italian authorities have deported two Moroccans and an Egyptian, bringing to 106 the number of alleged Islamic extremists expelled this year, the Interior Ministry has said.

Sanctity of Sabarimala temple should be preserved: Devotees

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a 'Nithya Brahmachari', this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved."Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group. "I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn't intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence."That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by ...