Allow puja at thousands of temples under the eyes of ASI

Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation to Union Government

New Delhi – A parliamentary panel has suggested that the Centre should explore the option of allowing puja at thousands of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments with “religious significance” if it can be ensured that it won’t harm their conservation. The recommendation was made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture in its report on ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India’ which was presented in Parliament on 6th December 2023. This committee is headed by YSR Congress Rajya Sabha MP V Vijaisai Reddy.

1. According to the committee, several historical monuments across the country hold immense religious significance to a large number of people and allowing pujas/worship/certain religious activities at such monuments can fulfil legitimate aspirations of the people.

2. There are a large number of monuments (temples, mosques and dargahs) under protection of ASI, where puja is currently not allowed. There is a rule of ASI behind this. As of now, ASI only permits worship and rituals at monuments (which includes a large number of temples) wherein such traditions were on at the time of the monument coming to the agency’s custody.

3. For example, one can pray at the Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort protected by ASI. In contrast, performing puja is prohibited at the Rudra Mahalaya Temple in Siddhpur, Gujarat. Similarly, the Vijayalaya Choleswaram Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and numerous other religious sites also prohibit the ritual of puja.

4. Puja may not be allowed in some monuments. According to ASI, the aim is to protect these dilapidated monuments.

5. The Ministry of Culture said it had noted the committee’s recommendation and will explore its feasibility. It, however, said that as per the policy decision, revival of worship is not allowed where it was not in vogue at the time of protection (by the ASI) or has been abandoned since long.

6. Out of the 3,693 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites managed by the ASI, 2,873 are designated as places where puja or namaz is not performed. However, in many instances, the local populace’s religious sentiments are intertwined with these sites, prompting demands for the allowance of puja.

7. Martand Sun Temple built in the 8th century at Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir is a prime example of ASI not allowing puja. Puja activities resumed last year after normalcy was restored in Kashmir, with Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha himself participating in the rituals.

8. Initially, the ASI opposed the performance of puja at this temple, citing its absence when the ASI assumed control. The stance was that reinstating puja practices was impermissible. However, now puja is done regularly in this temple.

9. If the committee’s recommendations are implemented, the resonant sounds of bells and taal may once again echo through temples of great religious significance, where puja was not performed for decades, and in some instances, centuries.