Temple committee decides not to allot space to Muslim vendors within temple premises !

• Case of ‘Armaan’ setting up a women’s undergarments shop at Khereshwar Dham temple using a Hindu name

• Commendable decision by committee after dispute during Mahashivratri fair !

Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) – Following a controversy during the Mahashivratri fair at the renowned Khereshwar Dham temple in Aligarh, the temple committee has taken a significant decision. It has announced that henceforth, Muslim vendors will not be permitted to set up shops within the temple premises. The decision followed an incident in which a Muslim youth concealed his identity and set up a shop selling women’s undergarments.

Aligarh (UP): Action After Mahashivratri Dispute

At Khereshwar Dham Temple, a dispute erupted during the Mahashivratri fair after reports that a man named Arman ran a women’s undergarment shop using a Hindu name.

Following the controversy, the Temple Committee has decided not… pic.twitter.com/ide3LWvyCn

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 23, 2026

1. As every year, a grand fair was organised at Khereshwar Dham on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Lakhs of devotees gathered for Jalabhishek. During the fair, a Muslim youth named ‘Armaan’ allegedly obtained a stall by introducing himself with the Hindu name ‘Aman’. His real name later came to light.

2. Sachin Raghav, Youth District President of Karni Sena, reached the spot along with supporters and opposed the allotment of the shop. He alleged that the youth was selling women’s undergarments. After the dispute escalated, announcements were made over loudspeakers and the shop was closed. However, citing the possibility of a law and order situation, the police arrested Sachin Raghav and sent him to jail. Hindu organisations expressed anger over the police action.

3. Temple committee president Gehraaj Singh stated that, keeping in mind the sentiments of Hindu devotees, the decision was taken not to allow Muslims to set up shops during temple festivals.

4. The Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a protest outside the District Magistrate’s office in connection with the incident. Office-bearers of the organisation stated that the sanctity of the temple premises must be preserved.