An ancient Hanuman Temple in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh has implemented a new policy that restricts entry for Muslim men and women.
The posters put up outside the temple in the Gandhi Park area, also known as the Gilhari Hanuman temple, on Wednesday, read: “Muslims are prohibited from entering the temple premises.” Pamphlets have also been displayed outside the temple to inform people about these new guidelines.
Moreover, a dress code has been established for both Hindu male and female devotees. The Shri Gilharaj Temple in Aligarh now prohibits individuals from entering while wearing short clothes or torn jeans.
The temple’s priest has issued guidelines emphasizing that Hindu devotees should not worship in the temple while wearing torn jeans or inappropriate attire. The purpose of these guidelines is to prevent any distractions caused by indecent clothing that may divert the attention of worshippers.
The priest of the temple, Mahant Yogi Kaushalnath, announced that a decision has been made by the temple committee to prohibit non-Hindus from entering the temple for worship. He also said that this decision was prompted by an incident where a few Muslims reportedly entered the Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik on 13th May 2023.
According to him, the reason behind this decision is that Muslims do not visit the temple solely for the purpose of worship, and the investigating agency will determine the intentions behind such visits. He said the intention behind banning Muslims from entering the temple in Aligarh is to prevent any similar incidents from occurring in the future.
