One of the most iconic and famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Somnath temple in Gujarat will now be out of bound for non-Hindus. Temple authorities have now decided, not to allow people from other faiths to visit the temple without prior permission.
One of the prime reasons given by the authorities for this decision is, protection of the “sanctity” of the temple.
“Shree Somnath Jyotirling is a pilgrimage for Hindus. Non-Hindus will have to obtain permission from General Manager’s Office (of the temple) to enter the sacred pilgrim-place,” said a notice which has been put up by the temple authorities at the main entrance.
Speaking to a news agency, Vijaysinh Chavda, Deputy Manager of Somnath trust said,
“If you go to Parsi Agiyari, what they put outside on notice board is non-Parsis are not allowed inside. Can you enter Mecca city? Every religion has its right to regulate.”
The famous Shiva temple, located near Veraval town of Gir-Somnath district, is governed by a trustee board which is headed by former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader L K Advani are other trustees as per reports.