Priests’ Association stages sit-in protest demanding abolition of paid darshan passes at Tuljapur Temple

• Administrative interference in religious matters is inappropriate, say priests.

• Demand greater transparency in decisions concerning devotees' faith.

Members of the Priests’ Association staging a token sit-in protest.

Tuljapur – Alleging that the paid darshan pass system at the Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple results in discrimination among devotees, the priests’ association has demanded that it be discontinued immediately. To protest the arbitrary functioning of the temple trust, the priests’ association staged a token sit-in protest outside the temple’s administrative office on 27 June. On this occasion, former Municipal President Devanand Rochkari, Sachin Rochkari, Naresh Amritrao, Vishal Rochkari, Balasaheb Bhosale, Prof. Dhananjay Londhe, and others strongly criticised the functioning of the temple trust. Stating that interference by administrative officials in religious affairs is inappropriate, the speakers demanded that transparency be maintained while taking decisions related to the faith of devotees.

A memorandum in this regard was submitted through Tehsildar Maya Mane to the District Collector, who also serves as the Chairman of the Temple Trust.

Editorial Perspective

It is necessary to free temples from government control so that such protests do not become necessary