 "Now, non-Hindus can't enter Somnath temple sans permit")
The famous pilgrim place of Lord Shiva, the Somnath temple in Gujarat, will now be off-limits for non-Hindus as authorities have decided to restrict entry without prior permission for people following other faiths.
Authorities cited security concerns and protection of ‘sanctity’ of a religious place for the restriction, saying other religions do not allow non-followers to enter their sacred places.
“Shree Somnath Jyotirling is a pilgrimage for Hindus. Non-Hindus will have to obtain permission from general manager’s office (of the temple) to enter the sacred pilgrim-place,” said a notice put up by temple authorities at the main entrance gate on Monday.
“The decision was taken by the Somnath Trust’s secretary P K Lahiri two to three days ago and we put a notice,” Vijaysinh Chavda, deputy manager of Somnath trust told PTI.
Chavda said the decision has been taken due to security reasons.
Authorities cited security concerns and protection of ‘sanctity’ of a religious place for the restriction, saying other religions do not allow non-followers to enter their sacred places.
“Shree Somnath Jyotirling is a pilgrimage for Hindus. Non-Hindus will have to obtain permission from general manager’s office (of the temple) to enter the sacred pilgrim-place,” said a notice put up by temple authorities at the main entrance gate on Monday.
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Daily thousands of devotees from across the country visit the temple heavily protected by police. The famous Shiva temple, located near Veraval town of Gir-Somnath district, is governed by a trustee board headed by former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani are other trustees.
“The decision was taken by the Somnath Trust’s secretary P K Lahiri two to three days ago and we put a notice,” Vijaysinh Chavda, deputy manager of Somnath trust told PTI.
Chavda said the decision has been taken due to security reasons.