Ban on VIP Access at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Welcomed by Saints

Haridwar, July 11: The decision to halt VIP access at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during the month of Sawan has been welcomed by the saint community. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, stated that all devotees are equal in the eyes of God. There should be no discrimination against any worshipper. The temple’s visitation system should ensure equal opportunities for all devotees.

In a conversation, Mahant Ravindra Puri mentioned that the entire saint community supports this decision. There should be a uniform system in God’s house for everyone. However, he acknowledged that in certain unavoidable circumstances, such as for elderly women, senior citizens, or individuals with special needs, the temple management may arrange special provisions. Yet, he emphasized that charging a fee for such arrangements is inappropriate.

He pointed out that many temples in South India already have ticket-based visitation systems. Similar arrangements are now being observed in some prominent North Indian temples, including the Ram Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In Haridwar’s major temples, there is no ticket system; devotees contribute donations voluntarily according to their faith, without any imposed fees.

When asked about implementing a similar equal visitation system in other temples, Mahant Ravindra Puri stated that the government could issue a uniform notification for all temples if it wishes. Many large temples in the country are operated under government management, while temples run by saints or religious organizations typically do not charge fees for visitation. He added that each temple management makes necessary arrangements based on local conditions and the number of devotees. Especially during the Sawan month and Kanwar Yatra, facilities such as refreshments, medical assistance, and smooth visitation arrangements are provided to ensure devotees face no inconvenience.

Mahant Ravindra Puri asserted that blocking the path of regular devotees for VIP access or closing temple doors is inappropriate. If there is a need for special individuals to visit, the temple management should ensure that the worship and visitation of ordinary devotees are not affected. Similar arrangements are made at various locations, including the Daksh Temple in Haridwar, where both regular devotees and special guests are allowed to visit without discrimination.