Muslim couple performs puja at Almora temple

Dehradun, June 24

Belying claims that temples are generally off limits for non-Hindu whorshippers, a Muslim couple not only visited the world famous Jageshwar temple in Almora on Saturday, but also performed pooja at the altar of Lord Shiva. The couple hailing from New Delhi performed ‘rudrabhishek’ at the temple which was facilitated by priest Hemant Bhatt who is also associated with the VHP.

According to Bhagwan Bhatt, manager of the Jageshwar Temple Committee, Mukhtar Ali, a resident, who works for the Lok Sabha news channel, had come to the temple on Saturday. “His identity was revealed only when he mentioned his name, while submitting a token money of Rs 500 for the pooja after which he was given the acknowledgment receipt,” Bhatt told the Tribune.

Former Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, who is also a sitting MLA Jageshwar, said that this incident was first of its kind. “As far as I know this incident is first of its kind here. But I must tell you that our temples are open to all,” he said. — TNS