The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, a Christian Army officer who refused to enter the inner sanctum of his regiment’s temple and gurdwara during mandatory parades. The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi took a stern view of his conduct, questioning whether such refusal did not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the soldiers under his command.

“If this is the attitude of an Army officer, then what to say!,” CJI Kant remarked while pronouncing the order rejecting his petition.

Commissioned in 2017 and posted to a Sikh squadron, Lt Kamalesan faced disciplinary proceedings after repeatedly declining to participate in rituals at regimental religious structures. He argued that avoiding the sanctum was both an expression of his Christian faith and a measure taken to respect the sentiments of his troops, so that his presence inside the inner shrine would not offend them.

The Army, however, informed the Court that he had refused to comply even after being assured by senior officers and after consultations with Christian clergy who conveyed that entering the “Sarv Dharm Sthal” as part of official duties would not violate Christian doctrine. His refusal, according to the Army, adversely affected unit cohesion and troop morale, resulting in his termination in 2021.

In May 2024, the Delhi High Court had upheld his dismissal, observing that as an officer leading troops, he bore a heightened responsibility to obey lawful commands. The Court held that the issue was not one of religious freedom but of discipline within the armed forces.

Challenging that order before the Supreme Court, Lt Kamalesan’s counsel, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, questioned the Army’s claim of neutrality. “What is secular when you have Jat regiment, Rajput regiment etc based on castes etc?” he asked. The Bench was unmoved.

CJI Kant emphasised that the Army maintained a secular character and found the officer’s position incompatible with service norms. “Army [is] completely secular in approach. You may do well elsewhere.. any constitutional provision with a grey area, we will look into it. You are guilty of violating … [Army Rules]. You have hurt the feelings of the soldiers,” he observed.

Sankaranarayanan argued that his client could not have been compelled to take part in ceremonies. But the Court pointed to the clergy’s guidance, noting, “Pastor has also counselled you. You cannot have your own private understanding of what your religion says that too when in uniform.”

Justice Bagchi questioned the basis of the officer’s religious objection. “Where in Christian faith bars the entering of sanctum sanctorum of temple?” she asked, adding that Article 25 protects essential practices, not every individual interpretation. “You have to respect the collective faith of the majority of the contingent you are commanding,” she said.

The counsel cited the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me”, but the Bench held that this could not justify disobedience to a lawful command, especially when the officer had disregarded the guidance of Christian clergy.

The officer also disputed the Army’s claim that the regiment had a “Sarv Dharm Sthal”, stating before the High Court that only a mandir and a gurdwara were maintained. CJI Kant responded that refusing to enter solely because the structures were a temple and gurdwara amounted to disregarding the sentiments of the troops. “You refuse to go just because there is temple and Gurdwara there. Does it not amount to hurting the feelings of your soldiers?” he said.

Finding no merit in the challenge, the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal and dismissed the petition.

(Source: Bar and Bench)

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A young Muslim woman from the Nattrampalli area was allegedly attacked by her relatives for visiting a Hindu temple with a friend, leading to a police case and widespread shock in the locality.

According to police, Shakeela, who lives with her husband Farooq in Nattrampalli, visited the Melmalaiyanur temple on Amavasya (new moon day) along with her daughter’s friend Vendamani. Shakeela had reportedly gone with her husband’s consent.

When Shakeela’s extended family learned of the visit, her mother Suraiya, her brother Amir Basha, and Amir’s wife Safura allegedly confronted the two women. The trio is accused of physically assaulting Shakeela and Vendamani, inflicting severe injuries. During the assault, Shakeela’s family members allegedly snatched her jewellery.

Vendamani, who suffered serious injuries, was admitted to the Nattrampalli Government Hospital for treatment. Shakeela also received medical care following the attack.

Shakeela and her husband subsequently lodged a complaint at the Nattrampalli Police Station. Based on their complaint, Nattrampalli police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Police said further inquiries are underway, and appropriate action will be taken following the investigation.

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The Madras High Court has ordered that no alienation or encumbrance should take place on a 1.6-acre land belonging to the 343-year-old Kandakottam Kandaswamy Temple in Chennai, after two of its trustees alleged attempts by third parties to take over the property.

Justice PB Balaji passed an interim order restraining any alienation of the temple land located at Surya Narayana Chetty Street, Royapuram, until the case is heard next on 19 November 2025. The judge clarified that the interim order had been passed solely to protect the temple property and that “none of the parties to the case should take advantage of the order.”

The petition was filed by trustees K. Sendilvellan and V.C. Kandhaswamy, who sought the court’s intervention against alleged attempts by certain individuals to alienate the property that was specifically endowed to the temple over a century ago.

According to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, the Kandakottam Kandaswamy Temple, located at Rasappa Chetty Street near the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station in Park Town, was established in 1672 by two individuals, Mari Chetty and Kandapandaram, who brought the idol of the main deity from the Kandaswamy Temple at Thiruporur near Mamallapuram.

After the original structure fell into disrepair, the temple was rebuilt with stones about 200 years ago. A magnificent gopuram (temple tower) was later constructed by Kalirathna Chettiar, and the temple is now administered by the Muthukumaraswamy Devasthanam.

In their affidavit, the petitioners stated that a devotee named Pauckam Kandhaswamy Chettiar had bequeathed one cawney, five grounds and 1,570 square feet of land to the temple for the performance of the annual Vedarpari festival. The land, measuring 71,170 square feet (1.6 acres), was located at Surya Narayana Chetty Street in Royapuram and was dedicated to the temple as a specific endowment through a registered will executed on 12 February 1886, which was duly probated by the Madras High Court.

The petitioners said that the endowment was created on the condition that the property “should not be alienated even after the death of the executor and that it should be owned by the temple alone.” They added that Pauckam Kandhaswamy Chettiar’s adopted son, Pauckam Appu Chettiar, had confirmed the endowment in 1919.

Over the years, various trustees were appointed to manage the endowment. However, the petitioners alleged that one of the trustees, T Parthasarathi Chetty, had executed a “fraudulent” will in 1997 in favour of his sons and daughters, claiming absolute ownership over the property which houses a mandapam and several idols.

They said that the legal heirs of Parthasarathi Chetty had been attempting to alienate the property for a long time. Their earlier request to declare the property as a non-endowment was rejected by the Deputy Commissioner of the HR&CE Department in 1994, a decision later confirmed by both the Commissioner of HR&CE and an Assistant City Civil Court in Chennai, which had dismissed a 1996 civil suit in 2015 for default and non-prosecution.

Despite these rulings, the petitioners said, the legal heirs had attempted to obtain patta (land ownership record) for the property. They informed the court that the Tondiarpet Special Zonal Tahsildar had issued a patta on 15 July 2025, based on a no-objection certificate (NOC) provided by the chairman of the Devasthanam’s board of trustees.

The petitioners further alleged that the executive officer of the temple had failed to take action against the chairman in connection with the issuance of the NOC. They said they have since approached the Revenue Divisional Officer to seek cancellation of the patta and urged the court to restrain the third parties from alienating the property.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Balaji granted time till 19 November 2025 for all respondents in the case to file their counter affidavits and directed that no alienation or encumbrance be made on the property until then.

(Source: The Hindu)

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A 21-year-old Muslim youth was taken into custody after allegedly entering a temple in an intoxicated state and offering Namaz, causing alarm among devotees in Tiruppur.

The incident took place at the Rajaganapathy Temple located in the Sengunthapuram area on Mangalam Road. The youth, identified as Ajmal Khan, reportedly resides nearby with his parents.

According to reports, Ajmal Khan had consumed alcohol following an argument with his parents on Sunday (26 October 2025) evening. In an inebriated state, he allegedly entered the temple premises, sat inside, and began offering Namaz.

Devotees present at the spot were reportedly shocked and requested him to leave. When he refused and allegedly threatened those who confronted him, a complaint was filed with the local police.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident based on the complaint.

(Source: Dinamalar)

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In Veerasozhapuram, a 1,500-year-old Amman shrine in a Lord Shiva temple collapsed during heavy rainfall yesterday, raising concerns among locals about the preservation of heritage temples. It is alleged that sand sacks had been placed on the deities, including Amman and Lord Shiva, and alleged that the temple property had been plundered.

நேற்று பெய்த மழையில் வீரசோழபுரம் அம்மன் சன்னதி இடிந்து விழுந்தது. 1500 வருடங்களுக்கு பழைமையானது.

கோவில் இருந்தால்தானே கோவிலுடைய சொத்து இருக்கும். கோவிலையே அழித்துவிட்டால்!!!

எத்தனை அழகிய கோவில்களை அழித்துவிட்டனர், அழித்துக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றனர்.

அம்மன் மீதும் சிவபெருமான்… pic.twitter.com/G6JqNqaAwL

— Rangarajan Narasimhan (@OurTemples) October 22, 2025

The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

The temple in Veeracholapuram, reportedly built by King Rajendra Chola, originally housed 78 intricately carved statues, many of which have gone missing over time. Experts and locals say recreating such sculptures with modern skill levels is extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Built by Rajendra Chola I and dedicated to Nagareeswaramudaiya Nayanar, the temple has long stood as a testament to the grandeur of Chola architecture and devotion. Inscriptions reveal that during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, vast tracts of land were endowed to support temple rituals and upkeep. Centuries later, Kulasekara Pandiyan continued this legacy with further donations, underscoring the temple’s enduring spiritual and cultural significance across dynasties.

The Amman shrine of the Veera Cholapuram temple tragically collapsed yesterday following heavy rains. This temple, originally constructed by Rajendra Chola I, was dedicated to Nagareeswaramudaiya Nayanar and stands as one of the significant Chola-period monuments in the region.… https://t.co/L9OkuuRVnW

— 𑀓𑀺𑀭𑀼𑀱𑁆𑀡𑀷𑁆 (@tskrishnan) October 22, 2025

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The Supreme Court is examining whether a Christian Army officer’s refusal to perform a temple ritual constitutes legitimate religious expression or an unforgivable breach of military protocol that warrants termination.

The case concerns Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, who was dismissed from service after he declined to enter the inner sanctum of his regiment’s temple to perform aarti during a ceremonial duty. The officer, attached to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, argued that participating in the ritual would violate his monotheistic Christian faith.

The Troubling Precedent of Personal Belief Over Military Order

What makes this case particularly consequential is the challenge it poses to the fundamental principle of military hierarchy. The Delhi High Court, while upholding Kamalesan’s termination, delivered a stark warning: “Keeping one’s religion above a lawful command from a superior officer is an act of indiscipline.”

The military’s position is unambiguous – the Army cannot function as a democracy where soldiers pick and choose which orders to follow based on personal belief. Regimental rituals, whether religious or ceremonial, serve the crucial purpose of building unit cohesion and morale. When an officer distances himself from these practices, he risks alienating himself from the troops he must lead into battle.

Why This Case Should Concern Every Indian

This legal battle raises troubling questions about the future of military discipline in an increasingly individualistic society. The Armed Forces have historically operated on the principle that personal beliefs must yield to institutional requirements when national security is at stake.

The case reveals several alarming implications:

The Erosion of Command Authority: If soldiers can refuse orders based on religious grounds, it sets a dangerous precedent that could compromise operational effectiveness. As the High Court noted, hesitation in peace could become fatal hesitation in war.

Selective Obedience: The military functions on absolute obedience, not negotiated compliance. Today it’s a temple ritual; tomorrow it could be a soldier refusing to fire because his religion prohibits killing, or another refusing to handle certain equipment due to dietary restrictions.

Undermining Regimental Culture: Army regiments often draw strength from shared traditions and rituals. The 3rd Cavalry maintains both a temple and gurdwara, reflecting its composition of Sikh, Jat, and Rajput troops. Allowing individual exceptions could fragment this carefully maintained unity.

The Constitutional Dilemma

The Supreme Court, led by Justice Surya Kant, must balance Article 25’s guarantee of religious freedom against Article 33, which specifically allows Parliament to restrict fundamental rights of Armed Forces personnel to ensure proper discharge of duties and maintenance of discipline.

This isn’t merely about religious rights; it’s about whether any personal belief can override the military’s operational requirements. The Army’s argument is compelling: in uniform, the only deity is duty, and the only religion is service to the nation.

A Warning from Recent History

The timing of this case is particularly significant given the Indian military’s recent operational successes, including the spectacular triumph during Operation Sindoor. These victories were achieved precisely because of the unquestioning discipline and unity that characterizes our Armed Forces.

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of individual religious exceptions, it could fundamentally alter the character of the world’s second-largest standing army. The military’s strength has always lain in its ability to transcend individual differences in service of a common national purpose.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay continued his state-wide tour on 20 September 2025, covering Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur as part of the second phase of his campaign.

Vijay began his journey in Nagapattinam in the afternoon, performing prayers and meeting volunteers who had gathered in large numbers. “Like Trichy and Ariyalur, Nagapattinam was also crowded with fans and volunteers,” observers said. He was surrounded by a contingent of volunteers as he campaigned across the town.

Later in the day, Vijay reached Thiruvarur, where he received a rousing welcome from supporters. Volunteers gave him a warm reception as he arrived after completing his Nagapattinam visit.

During the campaign, Vijay climbed onto a vehicle to greet the crowd. At that moment, a volunteer presented him with a human-sized Vel. Vijay lifted the Vel and waved it towards the volunteers, drawing loud cheers from his supporters.

Thalapathy Vel vangunathum just seeeeeee the trees stand around him ,all of sudden the wind drifts #உங்கவிஜய்_நா_வரேன் pic.twitter.com/AGhaD9lyQP

— V (@AbhiVijay_) September 20, 2025

However, the event also witnessed controversy in Thiruvarur. As Vijay prepared to deliver his speech, there was commotion after the party cadre climbed the temple tower in the area. Police intervened and removed them from the tower. Eyewitnesses reported that several cadre were wearing shoes and standing on the tower. The incident drew sharp criticism.

வலதுபுறம் உள்ளவன் கோபுர சிலையில் ஷூ அணிந்து நிற்கிறான்.

சுயபுத்தி இல்லாவிட்டால்.. சொல்புத்தியாவது இருக்க வேண்டும். இல்லாவிட்டால் பொதுமக்களின் அதிருப்தியை பெறுவது உறுதி.pic.twitter.com/dT0eV5lW9U

— Blue Sattai Maran (@tamiltalkies) September 20, 2025

(With inputs from Maalai Malar)

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The Kerala government has issued strict instructions prohibiting the display of symbols, flags, and decorative hangings of political organisations inside temple premises. The Devaswom Department has directed that temples under the control of Devaswom Boards, as well as those receiving financial assistance from the government, must strictly adhere to the new rules.

The order specifically bans single-colour flags, images of individuals associated with political movements, and any publicity materials that could incite religious or communal rivalry. Officials have emphasized that the restrictions are mandatory during festival seasons to prevent any potential conflict.

Special provisions have been outlined for Thrissur’s Thekkinkadu Maidan, which is occasionally rented for public events. In such cases, flags and hangings will only be allowed outside the temple compound wall, within temple-owned land or buildings, and with prior approval from the Devaswom Commissioner or the Administrative Officer.

To ensure public awareness, the government has instructed that a circular detailing these guidelines be prominently displayed in all affected temples. The move aligns with previous directions issued by the Kerala High Court, underscoring the state’s effort to maintain the sanctity of temple spaces free from political influence.

(With inputs from Mathrubhumi)

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In several Indian states, there has been a noticeable and organized rise in the construction of religious structures in the vicinity of prominent Hindu temples. Over the years, the number of mosques and churches near major temples and Jyotirlingas appears to be steadily increasing.

While only a few such locations have been identified so far using limited data from Google Maps, experts suggest that a comprehensive ground survey could reveal hundreds of additional sites.

This report presents a Google Maps-based analysis of mosques and churches located near 12 major Hindu temples. It lists their names, exact locations, and their distances from the respective temples, offering a spatial overview of this emerging pattern.

Meenakshi Temple – Madurai, Tamil Nadu

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Shiva).

Mosques near Meenakshi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Meenakshi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 mosques are visible within a range of 1-2.3 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Meenakshi Temple:

1. Chakbeer Aliyarsha Dargah Mosque – 220 m
2. Masjid Thasildar Jumma Mosque – 350 m
3. Jamaith Ali Masjid – 400 m
4. Melamasi Veethi Small Mosque – 400 m
5. Masjid Townhall Road Mosque – 700 m
6. Makka Jumma Masjid – 750 m
7. Therkuvasal Pallivasal Dargah Mosque – 750 m
8. Aksha Masjid Mosque – 850 m
9. Vanya GG1, Agrini Apartment Mosque (Andalpuram) – 800m
10. Fatimatuz Zahra (RA) Madrasa – 900 m
11. Masjid Noortheen (Munichalai) – 1.1 km
12. Masjid Mina Noordeen Jumma Mosque – 1.1 km
13. JAQH – Markaz Jumma Mosque – 1.1 km
14. Kazimar Big Mosque – 1.1 km
15. Masjid Ye Ayisha Mosque – 1.5 km
16. Masjid Abdul Rahman Mosque – 2.0 km
17. Masjid Mahaboobpalayam Mosque – 2.1 km
18. Sandhaipetta Old Masjid – 2.3 km
19. JAQH – Masjid Thowheed Mosque – 2.3 km

Churches near Meenakshi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Meenakshi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 church are visible within a range of 1 to 9 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Meenakshi Temple:

1. St. George’s Church – Anglican Church (350 m)
2. HOLY ROSARY CHURCH – Catholic (800 m)
3. Central A.G Sabai Church (1.3 km)
4. St. Mary’s Cathedral – Catholic Cathedral (1.4 km)
5. Madurai city AG Church (1.7 km)
6. T.E.L.C Holy Redeemer’s Church – Lutheran Church (1.9 km)
7. CSI Cathedral Madurai – Cathedral (2.0 km)
8. C.S.I Immanuel Church – Protestant Church (2.7 km)
9. First Baptist Church of Madurai – Baptist Church (2.8 km)
10. Indian Church Of Christ-Madurai Church (3.0 km)
11. Maranatha Church (2.4 km)
12. Arasaradi Church of Christ (3.5 km)
13. Arasaradi Church of Christ – Coronation Street (3.5 km)
14. Bethel A.G Church – Christian Church (3.4 km)
15. St. Joseph’s Church – Gnanavolivupuram – Catholic Church (3.9 km)
16. Arulbalikum Sahaya Annai Alayam – Catholic Church (4.0 km)
17. MADURAI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (6.1 km)
18. Madurai Christian Fellowship Church (6.7 km)
19. HOLY INFANT JESUS CHURCH – Catholic Church (8.5 km)

Siddhivinayak Temple – Mumbai, Maharashtra

This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Mosques near Siddhivinayak Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Siddhivinayak Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 mosques are visible within a range of 1-7 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Siddhivinayak Temple:

1. Siddhi Baba Dargah & Masjid – 650 m
2. PIR Bagdadi Dargah and Masjid – 1.3 km
3. Dadar Road Khatri Ishaque Moosa Masjid Trust Mosque – 2.4 km
4. Anjuman Paigam E Haque – 2.6 km
5. Sunni Noori Masjid – 3.1 km
6. Sunni Hilal Masjid – 3.1 km
7. Nawab Ayaz Ali Masjid Mosque – 4.3 km
8. Jama Masjid – 4.3 km
9. Ma Hajiani Dargah – 4.5 km
10. Jamat E Jamhuria Masjid Mosque – 4.5 km
11. Sunni Noorani Masjid – 4.6 km
12. Sunni Ibrahimiya Masjid Mosque – 4.6 km
13. Zakaria Masjid Mosque – 4.1 km
14. Sunni Badi Masjid, Madanpura – 5.4 km
15. Bahr Al Hikmah Masjid & Madrasa Mosque – 5.1 km
16. Jamali Masjid, Mustafa Bazaar Mosque – 5.7 km
17. Haji Ali Dargah – 6.1 km
18. Shia Ismaili Yuwan Jamatkhana Mosque – 6.1 km
19. Gurratul Masajid – Saifee Masjid (Dawoodi Bohra) – 7.0 km

Churches near Siddhivinayak Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Siddhivinayak Temple on Google Maps, a total of 17 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 7 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Siddhivinayak Temple:

1. Our Lady of Salvation Church (Portuguese Church) – 750 m
2. Mumbai Catholic Charismatic Renewal – 800 m
3. Holy Cross Church (Catholic Church) – 1.4 km
4. Sacred Heart Church, Worli (Catholic Church) – 1.6 km
5. Rahator Memorial Methodist Church – 1.7 km
6. The Church of Saint Mary The Virgin (CNI) – 1.7 km
7. IPC Dadar (Pentecostal Church) – 1.9 km
8. St. Paul’s Catholic Church – 2.3 km
9. St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral – 2.3 km
10. Selah Church – 2.5 km
11. St. Michael’s Church, Mahim (Catholic Church) – 3.3 km
12. Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna (Catholic Church) – 3.7 km
13. St. Andrew’s Church (Catholic Church) – 5.8 km
14. St. Francis of Assisi Church (Catholic Church) – 6.2 km
15. Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (Mount St. Mary Church) – 6.3 km
16. Saint Stephen’s Church – CNI (Protestant Church) – 6.3km
17. Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Sion (Catholic Church) – 6.9km

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva; one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Mosques near Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 mosques are visible within a range of 1-2 km from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Kashi Vishwanath temple:

1. Gyanvapi Mosque – (130 m)
2. Mirza Karimullah Beg Masjid -(300 m)
3. Masjid E Ghausia (Badi) Khalispura – (750 m)
4. Tomb And Mosque Of Syed Yaseen Shah Rahmatullah Alaihi – (800m)
5. Muslim Musafir Khana Masjid- (1.2 km)
6. Langde Hafiz Ki Masjid – (1.2 km)
7. MASJID IBRAHIM, – (1.1 km)
8. Badi Masjid -(1.1 km)
9. Oonchi Masjid- 1.2 km
10. Khajur Wali Masjid – (1.3 km)
11. Minar Allu Ki Masjid – (1.3 km)
12. Alamgir Masjid – (1.4 km)
13. Masjid-E-Bilal -(1.5 km)
14. Nagina Masjid – (1.7 km)
15. Qadirya Masjid -(1.9 km)
16. BAITUS SALAM MASJID – (1.9 km)
17. Sultaniya Masjid -(1.9 km)
18. Masjid ziapura – (2.0 km)
19. Jamia Salafiah Masjid – (2 km)

Churches near Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 6 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 5.4 km from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Kashi Vishwanath temple

1. St. Thomas Church- (400 m)
2. St. Paul’s Church- (2.9 km)
3. St. Mary’s Cathedral- (4.7 km)
4. Lal Girja CNI Church- (5 km)
5. Cantonment Varanasi- (5.2 km)
6. Church of Benares Pilgrims Mission- (5.4 km)

Somnath Temple – Gujarat

This is the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas; repeatedly rebuilt after invasions.

Mosques near Somnath Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Somnath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 mosques are visible within a range of 1-2 km (walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Somnath Temple:

1. Chadni masjid – (500 m)
2. Saiyed shelanishah sarkar – (600 m)
3. Masjid e Selani Mosque – (600 m)
4. Makka masjid Eibad gaah Mosque – (650 m)
5. Boliyani mani dargah – (650 m)
6. Vadla Masjid,- (700 m)
7. Panch Bibi Ma Ki Dargah- (800 m)
8. Hazrat Pir Selanishah Dargah – (850 m)
9. Miyan Nek Mohammad Masjid,Mosque – (950 m)
10. Peer Saiyed Mohsin Baba al Aydrus (R.A) -(1.0 km)
11. Pirhaya mosque -(1.1 km)
12. Hazrat Rangeela Shah Baba Dargah -(1.3 km)
13. Noorani Masjid – (1.3 km)
14. Madina Masjid Markaz.- (1.2 km)
15. Sabri Masjid – (1.4 km)
16. Abu Hurairah Ra. Masjid – (1.5 km)
17. Hajratpir Ismailshah Bawa Dargah, Mosque – (1.5 km)
18. Abu Hurairah Ra. Masjid – (1.5 km)
19. Masjid-E-Memuna – (1.8 km)

Churches near Somnath Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Somnath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 6 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 8.9 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Somnath Temple

1. Stella Maris Catholic Church Veraval- (6.7 km)
2. Veraval AG Church – (6.8 km)
3. C.N.I Church Veraval – (7.0 km)
4. STELLA MARIS CATHOLIC CHURCH VERAVAL – (7.2 km)
5. Pentecostal Church of God – (8.2 km)
6. St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Veraval – (8.6 km)
7. St. Peters Marthoma Church – (8.9 km)

Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Kolkata, West Bengal

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu Navaratna style temple in Dakshineswar on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.

Mosques near Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple on Google Maps, a total of 19 mosques are visible within a range of 1-11 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

1. Kalakar Para Makka Masjid – (1.4 km)
2. Alambazar Jama Masjid – (1.7 km)
3. Bally Jama Masjid – (1.8 km)
4. Belal Masjid Ariadaha, Kolkata – (2.9 km)
5. Hazrat Bilal Masjid – (3.0 km)
6. Mohammedia (sa) Masjid & Madrasa – (3.3 km)
7. Kamarhati Baro Jame Masjid – (3.3 km)
8. Masjid Umar Farooq – Ruhani Markaz – (3.3 km)
9. Noorani Masjid – (3.4 km)
10. Masjid Zahoor Ali Sah R.A – (3.5 km)
11. Gaushia Islahi Jame Masjid – (3.6 km)
12. Belur Chhoto Jame Masjid – (3.7 km)
13. Raza Jama Masjid – (3.7 km)
14. JAMA MASJID – (3.9 km)
15. Jame Masjid – (4.0 km)
16. Noori Jama Masjid (Madarsha Jamiah Nooria) – (4.3 km)
17. Tetultalla Masjid – (4.9 km)
18. Noori Masjid Shahar Bangla Muslim Burial Ground – (5.5km)
19. Nakhoda Masjid – (10.4 km)

Churches near Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple on Google Maps, a total of 2 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 2 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Shri Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

1. Chapel Manna Church – (1.3 km)
2. ALAMBAZAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH – (1.9 km)

Shri Akshardham Temple (Delhi)

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Mosques near Shri Akshardham Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Shri Akshardham Temple on Google Maps, a total of 18 mosques are visible within a range of 1-4.2 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Shri Akshardham Temple:

1. Fatimah Masjid – (2.2 km)
2. Shahi Masjid “Jumma Khuthba” – (2.5 km)
3. Masjid – (2.7 km)
4. Masjid-E-Aqsa – (2.7 km)
5. Chand Masjid – (3.1 km)
6. Pero Wali Masjid – (3.1 km)
7. Ek Minar Masjid – (3.1 km) 8.Mohammadi Masjid – (3.3 km)
8. Jama Masjid, Mandawali – (3.6 km)
9. Masjid Gareeb Nawaz (Juma Namaz 1:30 PM) – (3.6 km)
10. Badi Masjid Ramesh Park (Juma Namaz 1:50 PM)– (3.6km)
11. Abdullah Bin Masood Masjid – (3.7 km)
12. Firdaus Masjid – (3.7 km)
13. Inayati Masjid – (3.8 km)
14. MASJID KHAJOOR WALI – (4.0 km)
15. Anar Wali Masjid – (4.0 km)
16. Fazle Ilahi Masjid – (4.1 km)
17. Masjid Alamgir – (4.2 km)

Churches near Shri Akshardham Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Shri Akshardham Temple on Google Maps, a total of 7 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 14 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Shri Akshardham Temple-

1. Sharon Church of Christ – (3.2 km)
2. Christ Church Trans Yamuna – (4.1 km)
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral – (9.3 km)
4. St. Peter’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral – (9.6 km)
5. Cathedral Church of The Redemption (C.N.I.) – (10.2 km)
6. St. James’ Church – (10.5 km)
7. Delhi International Christian Fellowship and Church – (13.6 km)

Maa Kamakhya Temple – (Nilachal Hill- Guwahati, Assam)

Mosques near Kamakhya Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Kamakhya Temple on Google Maps, a total of 20 mosques are visible within a range of 1-11 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Kamakhya Temple:

1. Maligaon Masjid – (2.5 km)
2. Katia Dolong Masjid – (3.5 km)
3. Kumarpara Masjid Mosque – (3.7 km)
4. Athgaon Jama Masjid – (4.3 km)
5. North Jalukbari New Jama Masjid – (4.5 km)
6. Lakhtokia 2 No. Masjid – (4.6 km)
7. Kamarpatty Masjid – (4.7 km)
8. Sundarbari Mosque, Jalukbari – (4.9 km)
9. Jama Masjid: Lakhtokia – (4.9 km)
10. Paltan Bazar Masjid – (5.0 km)
11. Ulubari Jama Masjid – (5.8 km)
12. Birubari Jama Masjid – (6.2 km)
13. Islampur Masjid, Guwahati Club – (6.3 km)
14. Burha Jame Masjid, Ambari – (6.5 km)
15. Hedayetpur Jame Masjid, Guwahati Club AGAR – (6.7 km)
16. Anowarpur Masjid, Bhangaghar / BAGHARBARI Mosque – (7.5 km)
17. Chandmari Masjid – (8.3 km)
18. Navagiri Jama Masjid – (8.2 km)
19. Kalyanpur Jama Masjid – (10.3 km)
20. Hatkhowapara 2 No. Jame Masjid – (10.5 km)

Churches near Kamakhya Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Kamakhya Temple on Google Maps, a total of 14 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 13 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Kamakhya Temple:

1. Christ Baptist Mission – (3.5 km)
2. Guwahati Baptist Church – (4.7 km)
3. C.N.I Christ Church, Guwahati (খ্ রীষ গ্ র্ীাঘ) – (5.7 km)
4. Kalapani Church – (6.1 km)
5. The Praise Church – (6.2 km)
6. AG Church Guwahati – (7.7 km)
7. Guwahati Mizo Presbyterian Church – (8.3 km)
8. Dispur Baptist Church – (8.9 km)
   Believers Fellowship Church (Trust) – (9.2 km)
9. St. Thomas Church, ChristianPara – (9.9 km)
10. Christian Revival Church – (10.5 km)
11. Guwahati Community Church – (11.1 km)
12. Word of Life Church – (11.5 km)
13. Christ: The Bearer Of The Good News Cathedral – (12.4 km)

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam)

Mosques near Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple on Google Maps, a total of 6 mosques are visible within a range of 1-15 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple:

1. Masjide Noorani – (10.8 km)
2. Masjid E Rehmania – (11.9 km)
3. Masjid E Mubarak Musalla Tirupati Mosque – (12.0 km)
4. Masjid E Dasyanagunta Tirupati – (12.0 km)
5. Masjid E Abubakar – (13.0 km)
6. MASJID-E-QUBA – (14.8 km)

Churches near Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple on Google Maps, a total of 14 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 18 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple:

1. Hosanna Church – (10.5 km)
2. House Of Worship, Tirupati (Bakht Singh Fellowship) – (10.5 km)
3. East Church – (10.6 km)
4. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church – (10.7 km)
5. Church of Christ, Tirupati – (11.3 km)
6. Church of Christ, Ranipeta Church – (11.6 km)
7. CHRIST TEMPLE, Tirupati – (11.8 km)
8. CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY CHURCHES – (12.7 km)
9. Christ Church S.A.L.C (West Parish) – (12.2 km)
10. LEF Church – (13.2 km)
11. LGMM Church – (14.0 km)
12. Believers Eastern Church, Tirupati – (14.8 km)
13. Church of Living God – (17.3 km)
14. Jeevadhipathi Church – (17.6 km)

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Jyotirlinga temple with unique Bhasma Aarti tradition

Mosques near Mahakaleshwar Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Mahakaleshwar Temple on Google Maps, a total of 11 mosques are visible within a range of 1-1.2 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Mahakaleshwar Temple:

1. Mina masjid – (450 m)
2. Soudagran (markaz masjid) – (600 m)
3. Masjid Jama Shakeb (750 m)
4. Masjid e Sarwaan – (700 m)
5. Masjid Khairadyan – (750 m)
6. Mazar-e-Syedi Hasan Ji Badshah – (950 m)
7. Pnchan Masjid Mosque – (1.0 km)
8. Masjid Arjani duhala shah – (1.0 km)
9. Masjid Ayesha-Mosque – (1.0 km)
10. Jama Masjid – (1.2 km)
11. Masjid Shikari Gali – (1.2 km)

Churches near Mahakaleshwar Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Mahakaleshwar Temple on Google Maps, a total of 3 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 5 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Mahakaleshwar Temple:

1. Masih Church -3.3 km
2. Catholic Church, Ujjain -3.8 km
3. Beersheba Church of God – 4.7 km

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh)

Birthplace of Lord Ram

Mosques near Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 12 mosques are visible within a range of 1-7 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple:

1. Begampura Mosque -(1.3 km)
2. MADINA MASJID – (1.5 km)
3. Kewde Wali Masjid- (2.0 km)
4. Masjid Noori -(3.8 km)
5. Nori Jama masjid – (4.0 km)
6. MASJID – (4.5km)
7. Madina masjid – (5.0 km)
8. Shia Masjid Gulabbari – (5.5 km)
9. Arbiya masjid -(5.7 km)
10. Markazi Jama Masjid Tatsha -(5.9 km)
11. Shia Jama Masjid Chowk Faizabad -(6.0 km)
12. HAMIDIA MASJID -(6.9 km)

Churches near Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Janmabhoomi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 3 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 12 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple:

1. Church Of North India Church – (8.7 km)
2. F.G. Mission Church – (9.4 km)
3. Assembly Of Believers church Ayodhya Church – (11.1 km)

Vaishno Devi Temple (Katra, Jammu & Kashmir)

Dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, the temple is located in the Trikuta Hills.

Mosques near Vaishno Devi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Vaishno Devi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 3 mosques are visible within a range of 1-40 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Vaishno Devi Temple –

1. Jamia Masjid Katra – (14.4 km)
2. Jamia Masjid-e-Rizvia – (36.6 km)
3. Jamia masjid – (34.8 km)

Churches near Vaishno Devi Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for churches near Vaishno Devi Temple on Google Maps, a total of 3 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 16 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Vaishno Devi Temple:

1. Beersheba Church Of God – (14.5 km)
2. Spiritual church Katra – (15.3 km)
3. Carmel blessing church – (15.5 km)

Jagannath Temple – Puri, Odisha

One of the Char Dham temples; known for the Rath Yatra

Mosques near Jagannath Temple – Google Map Link

On searching for mosques near Jagannath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 3 mosques are visible within a range of 1-2 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of mosque and distance from Jagannath Temple:

1. NAAZAR KHANA MASJID (650 m)
2. Puri Mosque (1.9 km)
3. Kumbharpada Harnihaat Jama Masjid (1.9 km)

Churches near Jagannath Temple – Google Map Link 

On searching for churches near Jagannath Temple on Google Maps, a total of 5 churches are visible within a range of 1 to 4 km (Walking distance) from the temple.

Name of churches and distance from Jagannath Temple:

1. Chudanga church- (900 m)
2. RC CHURCH, PURI- (950 m)
3. Puri Baptist Church C.N.I- (1.7 km)
4. Church of Christ, Puri- (2.7 km)
5. THE GRACE A.G CHURCH-(3.7 km)

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The post Mapping Proximity: Rise In Mosques And Churches Around Major Hindu Temples Across India appeared first on The Commune.

The Supreme Court has stayed the demolition of a temple built within the premises of Visthara Residency in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, following allegations that it was constructed illegally on land designated as Open Space Reservation (OSR). The interim relief was granted by a bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, who also issued a notice on the plea filed by the Visthara Welfare Association.

According to a Live Law report, Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing the petitioners, argued that the Madras High Court had passed its demolition order without giving the affected parties a chance to be heard or submit their responses. “Neither the petitioner nor respondents 1 to 8 were heard or allowed to file their pleadings,” the counsel stated.

Acknowledging this procedural lapse, the Supreme Court stayed the demolition and scheduled the matter for further hearing in eight weeks. The petition challenges a Madras High Court ruling that had found no valid authorization or permits for the temple’s construction on OSR land, concluding it was an illegal structure. Justice S.M. Subramaniam had ordered the Madurai Corporation to remove the temple within four weeks and ensure the land is maintained in line with the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.

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The post Supreme Court Halts Temple Demolition In Madurai’s Visthara Residency appeared first on The Commune.