The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, a site of immense religious significance for Hindus, has recently become the focus point of a debate regarding the origin of the deity’s attire. The core of the issue revolves around calls to stop the use of garments crafted by Muslim weavers, sparking discussions about religious purity, tradition, and the delicate balance of communal harmony.
The Incident
In a letter to the temple priests, the Hindutva group claimed that the deity’s attire should not be made by those who “consume meat and do not respect Hindu traditions or cow protection”, warning that it would launch a protest if its demands were not met, reported PTI.
“The temple management met and decided not to accept the weird demand,” Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a senior temple priest, told reporters on Thursday. “It is simply not practical. Moreover, we do not discriminate against any community. Devotees who offer attires for the deity ensure purity themselves before getting them made.”
Goswami added: “Most of those who stitch clothes for the idol are Muslim. They are the best tailors and the most disciplined. They understand our needs and work with devotion.”
Priests at the Banke Bihari temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Vrindavan have rejected a Hindutva group’s demand to stop using clothes made by Muslim artisans for its deity, reported PTI. They asserted that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions
Goswami, however, said that artisans cannot be judged based on religion, citing historical examples from Hindu scriptures.
He added: “In Vrindavan, most of the intricate crowns and dresses for the deity are made by Muslim artisans. Similarly, in Kashi, Rudraksha garlands, sacred to Lord Shiva, are crafted by Muslim families.”
It is important to note that the Banke Bihari temple has also been in the news recently regarding dress codes for its devotees. This shows that the temple administration is very concerned with maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
The temple administration has also implemented a dress code for devotees, prohibiting the wearing of revealing or inappropriate clothing. This initiative aims to preserve the cultural dignity and sanctity of the temple.
Tiyasa is an enthusiastic journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and stating them in a compelling story. Whether it's chasing a breaking news story or crafting a deeply researched feature, she believes in the power of words to inform, entertain, and inspire. Apart from writing, she has a passion for learning different languages. When not chasing the deadlines, you can find her engrossed in either books or drama or listening to music, maybe even brainstorming for her next article over a cup of coffee.
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