MANDI: Himachal Pradesh, known for its centuries-old spiritual traditions and sacred shrines, is currently witnessing growing unrest among devotees after two controversies surfaced at its revered Hindu shrines — Mata Chintpurni Temple in Una district and Baba Balak Nath Temple in Hamirpur district.
The incidents, though separate in nature, have drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about the sanctity and management of these temples.
Christian literature ‘found’ inside Chintpurni Temple
The first controversy unfolded at the Mata Chintpurni Temple where a devotee reported finding Christian religious books placed inside a cupboard traditionally used to store Hindu religious texts like the Hanuman Chalisa and Mata Chintpurni Chalisa.
The devotee recorded a video of the scene, which quickly went viral on social media, sparking sharp reactions from devotees and religious organisations.
Abhishek Padha, state co-convener of BJP’s Dev Samaj Cell, accused the administration of negligence and said that similar incidents, including the display of Christian visuals on LED screens in the past, were already being reported.
“Mata Chintpurni Temple is the pride of Himachal. Such missionary activities are an attack on our identity and belief system,” said Padha.
Devotee hurls money disrespectfully in Baba Balak Nath Temple
In a separate incident at the Baba Balak Nath Temple in Hamirpur, a video surfaced showing a devotee dressed in ceremonial attire throwing bundles of currency notes toward the deity in a manner similar to how money is tossed during weddings or celebratory events.
The devotee in question has been identified as Ranga Badshah, an NRI originally from Banga in Punjab who is known to visit the temple occasionally.
While some defended his actions as an emotional expression of faith, the gesture was widely condemned by devotees and religious leaders as disrespectful and theatrically inappropriate within a sacred setting.
However, the incident has raised a critical question — how was such a video even filmed inside the temple? Use of mobile phones, photography and videography is strictly prohibited within the inner premises of the Baba Balak Nath Temple.
The fact that the video was recorded and circulated from a restricted area has once again highlighted serious concerns over security enforcement and the lack of strict protocol monitoring inside the shrine.
Authorities launch investigations, assure of fixing accountability
Speaking to The Newz Radar, Barsar SDM and Chairman of the Baba Balak Nath Temple Trust, Rajinder Gautam, said that he was fully aware of the matter and had already initiated a formal investigation into the incident.
“Incidents like this should never happen in a religious place of such reverence. We are examining the security lapses and will ensure that all loopholes are sealed. Strict action will be taken against those responsible and such episodes will not be allowed to recur,” said Gautam.
A prominent religious figure, Mahant Rajinder Giri, has also expressed strong resentment over the event, calling it a “violation of religious decorum”. He raised serious concerns about the functioning of the temple trust and its administration.
“This is not just about one person, it reflects badly on the entire management. The main priests and temple security staff must be held answerable for such lapses. Baba Balak Nath’s court is sacred and must be treated with the utmost reverence,” said Rajinder Giri.
Munish Sood
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