Muslim Minister enters Vishnupada Temple in Gaya, Bihar

• Directly entered the sanctum sanctorum with CM Nitish Kumar
• As non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Vishnupada Temple it was purified with Gangajal

Gaya (Bihar) – Though non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the famous Vishnupada Temple, State IT Minister Mohammad Israil along with CM Nitish Kumar, directly entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Temple. Hindus strongly opposed it and accused Nitish Kumar of trampling the Hindu faith. The entire Temple was purified with Gangajal due to Israil’s entry.

(Credit : News18 Bihar Jharkhand)

During his Gaya tour, Nitish Kumar visited the Vishnupada Temple to offer puja. Minister of State Israil entered the Temple even though there was a clear notice board outside the Temple saying ‘Non-Hindus are not allowed. State Chief Secretary Aamir Suhani, who was with them, knew the rule and remained outside the Temple.

Talking to the media, Israil said, “I am lucky that I got the opportunity to go to the sanctum sanctorum of Vishnupada Temple”. It has angered Hindus and they have criticised Nitish Kumar. A Hindu said that Nitish Kumar should go to Jama Masjid and perform Havan.

A centuries-old tradition of the Temple has broken – Temple Committee

As soon as this incident came to light, the Temple committee and the priest reacted strongly. Chairman of the Temple management committee Shambhu Lal Vitthal prayed to Shri Vishnu for forgiveness and cleaned the sanctum sanctorum and the Temple with Gangajal. Vitthal said that due to the entry of a Muslim, a centuries-old tradition of the Temple has broken. We had no idea who was going to be with the Chief Minister. Because of this, I apologise not only to God but also to the entire Hindu society. This incident has hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

Editorial Viewpoint

• Isn’t this an attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus ? It needs to be investigated.
• If any Hindu had entered a forbidden place related to the places of worship of other sects, then these progressives would have gone to the extent of alleging that Hindus were conspiring to incite riots. But now they will talk about ‘Sarvadharma Sambhava’ (Equality among religions).