Police Intercept Hindu Mahasabha Members Attempting Rituals at Taj Mahal
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Police on Tuesday intercepted members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha who were reportedly attempting to enter the Taj Mahal to perform religious rituals during the holy month of Shrawan.
The group of 11 women carrying Kanwars (Sacred water pots carried on a pole for Lord Shiva) was stopped en route near the monument’s western gate after law enforcement received advance intelligence regarding their plans.
Following their interception, officers escorted the devotees to the nearby Rajeshwar Temple, where they were permitted to perform Jalabhishek (ceremonial bathing of the Shivling) and offer their holy water.
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Authorities had reportedly put precautionary measures in place after learning that the organization intended to march toward the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the first Monday of Shrawan.
"They were stopped on the way and were taken to the Rajeshwar Temple, where they performed jalabhishek," a senior police officer reportedly confirmed.
Right-wing organizations like the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha routinely attempt to enter the Taj Mahal grounds during Shrawan to offer Gangajal. Proponents of these actions rely on the fringe claim that the 17th-century Mughal monument was originally a Hindu temple known as "Tejo Mahalaya."
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Despite being diverted by law enforcement, leadership from the local chapter insisted their campaign would continue throughout the holy month.
"If qawwali programmes can be held at the Taj Mahal, we should also be allowed to offer prayers there," said Meera Rathore, district president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. "We have been stopped this time, but there are more Mondays in Shrawan. We will again carry kanwars and perform worship."
The Taj Mahal remains a strictly protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). While Hindu groups repeatedly raise ownership claims, mainstream historians and the ASI have consistently rejected the "Tejo Mahalaya" hypothesis, citing extensive documentary evidence and court rulings establishing the structure's origins as a tomb commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
