Muslim-Hindu couple performs puja at Almora temple

Tribune News Service

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Dehradun, June 25

Belying claims that temples are generally off limits for non-Hindus to worship, on Saturday a Muslim-Hindu couple not only visited the world famous Jageshwar temple in Almora but also performed puja at the altar of Lord Shiva.

The couple hailing from New Delhi performed the puja at the temple which was facilitated by priest Hemant Bhatt who is also associated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

According to Bhagwan Bhatt, manager of the Jageshwar Temple Committee, Mukhtar Ali, who works for the Rayja 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 puja, after which he was given the acknowledgment receipt,” Bhatt told The Tribune.

Mahima Sharma, wife of Mukhtar Ali, said they have been visiting temples, gurdwaras and churches often. “Whenever we visit these places of worship, we pray that peace may prevail and pray for the good of humanity,” said Mahima. The couple had gone to shoot the world famous temples as part of their work assignment.

Former Uttarakhand Assembly speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, who is also MLA from Jageshwar, said 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.