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JAMMU, July 10: Bhumi Pujan and other religious ceremonies of the Saffron robed silver mace of Lord Shiva known as Chhari Mubarak was performed at Pahalgam with religious fervour and gaiety on the occasion of Vyas Purnima also known as Guru Purnima, while 17,022 pilgrims drawn from different parts of the country paid obeisance at the holy cave on the eighth day of darshan today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Chhari Mubarak was ceremoniously taken to Pahalgam for the Bhumi Pujan ritual, marking the formal commencement of the age-old traditions associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, the sole custodian of holy mace took the Chhari Mubarak from its abode Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar to Pahalgam. The holy mace was then taken to Gauri Shankar Temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was performed with religious fervour. The ceremony witnessed participation of a number of devotees reinforcing the composite cultural ethos of the region. The Chhari Mubarak will continue its traditional journey as per the religious calendar, culminating in the final darshan at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. Later Chhari Mubarak was taken to historical Sun temple of Martand where religious rituals were held in traditional way. Besides, the Chhari Mubarak had a holy dip in the sacred spring at the shrine. The Sadhus and the devotees performed Puja at the holy shrine and later they were served with Prashad arranged by Tirath Raj Mattan Trust. Mahant Ji, while talking to reporters said the holy mace one depicting Lord Shiva and another Goddess Parvati left the Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar early in the morning for Bhumi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan, flag hoisting and other religious rituals at Pahalgam. He said as per tradition the annual Amarnath Ji yatra commences with Bhumi Pujan at Pahalgam on this day. Mahant Ji said the Sadhus prayed for world peace and harmony. "As per Vedic tradition, we pray for the welfare of human beings and universe as a whole''. He said special prayers were also held for return of total peace and brotherhood in the Kashmir valley. Speaking on the occasion, president, Tirath Raj Mattan Ashok Sidha said that from times immemorial Chhari Mubarak visits holy shrine on two occasions and performs religious rituals here. He said Trust had made all arrangements for visiting Yatris and Sadhus. He also complimented the administration and local people for their cooperation and support. After performing the religious rituals at Mattan shrine, the Chhari Mubarak returned to Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar where from it will leave for holy cave on August 4.The Chhari Mubarak will also be taken to historic Shankaracharya temple Srinagar on Haryali Amavasya on July 24. With 17,022 pilgrims performing darshan at cave shrine today, total number of 1, 45,716 pilgrims have visited holy cave in last eight days. Among the yatris who paid obeisance today included 12,4 71 males, 4000 females, 182 children, 108 Sadhus, five Sadhvis, three transgenders and 253 security personnel. Officials said that it rained for some time in the evening on yatra area and holy cave but the pilgrimage passed smoothly. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of more than 7,300 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to join the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in the South Kashmir Himalayas this morning, officials said. Till yesterday about 1.28 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine, located at a height of 3,880 metres, since the commencement of the 38-day annual yatra from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3, the officials said. According to the officials, the ninth batch of 7,307 pilgrims -- 5,534 men, 1,586 women, 25 children and 162 sadhus and sadhvis -- left in 284 vehicles between 3:15 am and 3:58 am amid tight security. While 3,081 pilgrims left in 137 vehicles for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, 4,226 pilgrims left in 147 vehicles via the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district. With this, a total of 62,788 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the Kashmir valley since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch. The Bhagwati Nagar base camp has been placed under a multi-tier security cover in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. More than 4 lakh people have registered online for the pilgrimage so far. The yatra will conclude on Sawan Purnima falling on August 9. Last year, more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
The annual 'Kartheeka Brahmotsavams' began at the temple of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru at Tiruchanur here on November 28 (Thursday). Priests hoisted the 'Dhwajapatam', the sacred flag bearing the imprint of the divine elephant (the celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavati), atop the temple flag post as part of the 'Dhwajarohanam' ceremony, which signalled the formal launch of the nine-day fete. Under the guidance of the 'Pancharatra Agama' adviser Manikantha Swamy, the officiating priest (Kankana Bhattar), K. Srinivasacharyulu, and priest Babu Swamy conducted the rituals. Executive Office ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 5 (Maxim News): Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Indiramma House Survey mobile application on Thursday morning. The selection of the beneficiaries of the housing scheme will be done from tomorrow (Friday) through this app. Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the Indiramma house scheme was started with Rs. 10 thousand. Today it has reached Rs. 5 lakh. He said that they are providing financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh to each poor person for the construction of a house. It is everyone's dream t ...Read More >
A temple locked since 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has been reopened by authorities during an anti-encroachment drive. The Bhasma Shankar temple, containing idols of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was rediscovered during an electricity theft inspection. This follows recent violence and heightened tensions in the area, including a mosque survey dispute and loudspeaker fine.The Sambhal administration here on Saturday uncovered and reopened a temple, which is said to have been closed ...Read More >
PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP) -- Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world's largest religious gathering. Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati -- where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth. Here's what to know abo ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
Telangana has launched a weekend tour package connecting Hyderabad, Warangal, and the UNESCO-recognized Ramappa Temple. Departing from Hyderabad every Saturday and Sunday, the tour offers a full-day exploration of spiritual and historical landmarks, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padmakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and the stunning Ramappa Temple. Priced at ₹2,800 for adults and ₹2,240 for children, this affordable package showcases Telangana's rich heritage. The 13th-century Ramappa Temple, known for its architectural innovation and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of Kakatiya craftsm ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Feb 10 (VOICE) Telangana's Minister for Industry and Information Technology D. Sridhar Babu has strongly condemned the attack on Chilkur Balaji Temple head priest C. S. Rangarajan and made it clear that the government will not tolerate anarchic elements hijacking Hinduism to spread hate and terror.Terming the attack on the chief priest and administrator of the temple as a heinous act, he said that the government would deal with such evil acts with an iron fist. "Although the main accused is in police custody, this isn't just a crime -- it's an attack on our values and faith! Using ...Read More >
Uttarakhand (Dehradun) [India], May 19 (ANI): The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the hilly districts of Uttarakhand, effective today and tomorrow. In light of this warning, the Uttarakhand Police have issued a safety advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims are advised to exercise caution while travelling, consider the weather conditions, and call 112 in case of any emergency." Authorities are working to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions," said the police authorities. In light of the forecast, the Uttarakh ...Read More >
Katra/Jammu, Jun 5 (PTI) Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring a speedy completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project after taking office in 2014 and said it marks the beginning of a historic journey in setting up the world's highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and the Anji Khad bridge, India's first cable-stayed bridge, before flagging off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completio ...Read More >
New Delhi: Investigators probing the recent cases of espionage have identified a Lahore-based woman with ties to the Pakistani Army and intelligence agency ISI. She used to trap visa seekers and get them to work for ISI, sources claimed. Naushaba Masood, who runs a travel agency in Pakistan, facilitated visas for those who 'cooperated' and supplied them with SIM cards to begin with.The return favours included a range of tasks, beginning with shooting pro-Pakistan videos and uploading them on YouTube to create a favourable narrative. This was a calculated move by ISI to expand its influence thr ...Read More >
BUDAUN: A court hearing a plea of a Hindu outfit, which had sought permission to worship at Jama Masjid Shamsi here claiming it was a temple, on Tuesday asked the Muslim side to complete their arguments by December 10. Arguing his case, the lawyer for Shamsi Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee and Waqf Board Asrar Ahmed questioned the locus standi of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to file the petition in the matter. Urging the court to dismiss the plea, the counsel submitted that the mosque is about 850 years old. He stated that there is "no existence of a temple" there and worship by Hin ...Read More >
Karthigai Deepam 2024 is set for December 13, with rituals honoring Lord Shiva and spreading spiritual light. The lighting of lamps symbolizes victory over darkness and ignorance. Karthigai Deepam, one of the most cherished festivals in Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant celebration of light, spirituality, and devotion. In 2024, the festival will be observed on Friday, December 13, a day marked by the lighting of countless earthen lamps (deepam) to signify the triumph of light over darkness and good over ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has directed that no new lawsuits related to places of worship (temples, mosques, or shrines) can be filed until further notice. This decision was made during the ongoing hearing of petitions challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The ruling prohibits the lower courts from issuing any survey orders or interim orders that might alter the status or nature of any religious site. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan, issued this order while hearing sev ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government is committed to providing every facility to the devotees visiting Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Ahead of his visit to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, PM Modi said that he will take stock of the works related to the Maha Kumbh and also inaugurate and launch multiple development projects. PM Modi Prayagraj Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Arrive in Prayagraj Today To Launch Development Projects Worth Around INR 5,500 Crore. "Along with making the Maha Kumbh of faith divine and grand, we are committed to providi ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Pakistan high commission on Wednesday said it issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples in Punjab province's Chakwal district. The group has been given visas to visit the Katas Raj temples from December 19 to 25. The temples are also known as Qila Katas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Under the provision of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year.Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. ...Read More >
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the naval dockyard for the commissioning ceremony of three naval vessels -- two warships INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer -- on Wednesday. The event will take place between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. According to a defence spokesperson, thies commissioning represents a crucial advancement towards fulfilling the national ambition to emerge as a global force in defence production and maritime security. Later, Modi will be at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai at 3.30 pm. Officials said that as part of his initiative to streng ...Read More >
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitendra Singh reached Katra in Reasi district on Thursday to review arrangements a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, officials said. On Friday, the prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Chenab bridge and the Anji bridge, India's first cable-stayed bridge, the symbol of the country's engineering excellence, before flagging off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) that will provide ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with ...Read More >
Dhaka: A writ petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the broadcast of Indian TV channels in the country citing growing concerns over the impact of Indian media on Bangladeshi culture and society, Dhaka Tribune reported. Lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who filed the petition on Monday, is seeking a directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prohibit the broadcast of Indian TV channels. It also asks why a rule should not be issued instructing a ban on Indian TV channels in Bangladesh, as per Dhaka Tribune. The hearing on the application may ...Read More >
Kottayam (Kerala), Dec 12 (PTI) The historic struggle for equality that took place in Vaikom a century ago, popularly known as the Vaikom Satyagraha, was not a movement confined to Kerala but marked the starting point for various other struggles for social justice, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday. In his address at Vaikom in this district after inaugurating the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, Stalin said that while impressive strides have been made in areas of social justice and economy in 100 years, a lot more has to be achieved. Stalin inaugur ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha), Feb 4 (PTI) Thousands of people took a holy dip at Chandrabhaga at Konark in Odisha's Puri district on the occasion of 'Magha Saptami' on Tuesday. Magha Saptami is observed as the birthday of the Sun God and is held on the seventh day of 'Magha' month of the Hindu calendar. People offer prayer to 'Tri Mahadev' after taking a dip at the confluence of Chandrabhaga River and the Bay of Bengal. Devotees also offer puja at 'Naba Graha' on the premises of the Sun temple at Konark. This year, the holy dip started at 4.37 am and the sadhus were given the first opportunity to take a d ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 5 (ANI): Pointing out the developmental works done by the Centre and his administration in Ayodhya, where Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is located, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that earlier bullets were fired on people coming to the city, but now people visiting the temple were welcomed with a shower of flowers. The Chief Minister was apparently referring to the police firing on karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi protest in 1990. Also Read | World Environment Day 2025: Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani Lauds PM Narendra Modi's ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >
All over the world, there are certain temples so powerful and energetic, that just being around them gives the most overwhelming feelings of positivity, protection, and love. Visiting these temples feels like the Gods and Goddesses themselves are holding us in their arms, protecting and shielding us from harm. And some of these temples are Shaktipeeths. They are dedicated to the divine feminine energy of Mata Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and wherever the parts of her body fell, those places became Shaktipeeths, the houses of energy. Here we mention the 6 most powerful Shaktipeeth from all ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday arrived in Odisha and unveiled a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu here. She also visited the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher, a sacred place for Santals, in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers. The President was accorded a warm welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), where she landed on a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commence her five-day visit to Odisha. She was received at the airport by Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries. People standi ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A day after a court in Ajmer issued notices in a civil suit claiming that there is a Shiva temple in the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday termed the development as "worrisome" and wondered where the country was being taken for political dividends. A local court in Ajmer on Wednesday directed that notice be issued to three parties in a civil suit which claims there is a Shiva temple in the dargah, the plaintiff's advocate said. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Worrisome. The latest claim: Shiv Temple at Ajmer Dargah. Where are we taking thi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday strongly defended the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, as the Supreme Court will be hearing pleas challenging the law. Speaking to the ANI, Chidambaram emphasized that the Act was crucial in maintaining the secular fabric of India and should not be altered. "The provisions of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, protect the secular fabric of the nation. Any alteration to the Act is very problematic," Chidambaram stated. He stressed that changing the law would not only disrupt the social harmony but ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Gundicha Temple, where the deities of Jagannath temple were born, is being prepared for a visual transformation through enhancement work before Rath Yatra on June 27."The beautification work includes stone-cladding of the outer boundary wall, landscaping and illumination arrangements to welcome the deities at their place of birth during Rath Yatra. The aesthetic transformation will give a visual delight to the deities and devotees," chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee told TOI.The temple's exterior boundary wall, previously co ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting of senior civil, police officials and DCs, SSPs of Jammu Division to review the progress of development projects and security situation in the region. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti; ADGP (Law & Order) Vijay Kumar; ADGP, Jammu, Anand Jain; ADGP, CID, Nitish Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Shri Mandeep Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; DIGs ...Read More >