Why is Deity’s resting time used for the sake of rich people ? : SC

Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) – ‘Why object to the extension of darshan time for the ordinary devotees at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple here ? Why is rest not given to the Deity during His scheduled resting time ? During resting time, ordinary devotees are prohibited from darshan; but why are wealthy devotees who pay extra money allowed to worship ?’, questioned the Supreme Court. The committee appointed by the Supreme Court for the management of the temple has increased the darshan time by about two and a half hours daily, and the temple servants are opposing this.

1. Advocate Shyam Diwan, while arguing in the Court on behalf of the original management committee of the temple, objected to the extension of the darshan time. He said that the duration of darshan cannot be changed; because this is a tradition that has been going on for a long time. If the darshan time is changed, the Deity’s waking and sleeping timings also change. There is a specific time for the Deity to rest, and it cannot be interfered with.

2. Chief Justice Suryakant asked, when exactly is the Deity given rest during the rest time ? During this time, darshan is closed to ordinary devotees, the temple is closed at 12 noon; but still the Deity is not given even a moment’s peace. During this time, influential people pay huge amounts of money to worship and are allowed to do so.

3. On this, Advocate Shyam Diwan said that there is no direct complaint of such nature; however, the Court’s suspicion may be noteworthy and can be verified. Still, it is not appropriate to change the time of darshan.

Notice from the Supreme Court

The petition filed by the old management committee of the temple has also alleged that the Supreme Court-appointed committee has appointed the servants in an arbitrary manner. On this petition, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the appointed committee, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority. The next hearing in the matter will be held in the first week of January.