Kerala's famed Sabarimala temple faces scandal after courts discovered gold-cladding theft from deity idols. The High Court established a Special Investigation Team after discovering door guard idols were stripped of gold plating. Temple records show 30.291kg gold, donated by Vijay Mallya in 1998-99, was used for cladding. Former assistant priest Unnikrishnan Potty controversially removed idols for repairs in July 2019; approximately 4.54kg gold disappeared afterward. Judges called it "heist and plundering," criticizing Travancore Devaswom Board for permitting irregularities, including allowing Potty to retain 474.9g "surplus gold" for a wedding. Three arrested, including Potty who claims entrapment. Opposition demands Temple Affairs Minister VN Vasavan's resignation; he refuses, promising full cooperation with court-monitored investigation. (PC: Tripoto)

At least nine devotees died in a stampede Saturday at the privately-run Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, during Ekadashi celebrations. Nearly 25,000 devotees arrived at the temple with capacity for only 2,000-3,000, without prior coordination with authorities. The stampede occurred when crowds surged as gates opened, causing a railing to collapse near steps on the elevated first-floor temple. With only one entry-exit point, devotees fell from six feet height, toppling onto others. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha noted the combination of Ekadasi and Karthika Masam on Saturday caused unusually large turnout. The government emphasized the temple wasn't under Endowments Department management. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered relief measures and proper medical care.

A stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, killed nine people, including two children. Investigations revealed critical safety lapses as the privately-managed temple lacked government registration and operated without required permissions. The event was held in an under-construction zone without informing authorities. On Ekadashi Saturday, approximately 25,000 devotees attended the event, far exceeding the usual 10,000-15,000. Barricades collapsed as crowds jostled in women's queues, triggering panic. The temple's single entry-exit point worsened the crisis, trapping devotees. Authorities were unaware of the gathering's scale. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered a detailed inquiry and proper medical care for the injured, while the tragedy has prompted calls for stricter regulation of private religious establishments.

At Kanpur's 135-year-old Dashanan Mandir, Ravan is worshipped on Dussehra, contrasting sharply with India's traditional effigy-burning celebrations. Built in 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukla from Unnao district, the temple honors Ravan as Lord Shiva's devoted follower and scholar, not as a demon. Located in Shivala's Kailasha temple complex, it opens only on Dussehra while remaining closed the remaining 364 days. The five-foot-tall Ravan idol stays wrapped year-round, symbolizing his captivity. On October 2, devotees chant "Lankapati Naresh Ravan Ki Jai," offer prayers, light oil lamps, and seek wisdom and strength. Special aarti is performed before doors close again until next Dussehra.

Kolkata's Arjunpur Amra Sabai Club presents 'Mukho Mukhi' (Face to Face), a futuristic Durga Puja pandal blending kinetic art with Bengali tradition. Conceptualized by artist Shovin Bhattacharjee, the installation features reflective stainless steel structures and blue lighting exploring the spiritual concept of "Antarjami" - knowing one's inner self. The pandal invites visitors to confront their reflections in a dialogue between individual and divine. Sculptor Shampa Bhattacharjee crafted the Maa Durga idol combining traditional grace with modern aesthetics, while Bimal Paul spent three days perfecting the goddess's lifelike eyes. The eco-conscious idol uses clay and natural colors, reinforcing sustainability commitments while creating a striking fusion of spirituality and futurism.

A Vatican City-themed Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi replaced Jesus Christ's image with Lord Krishna following VHP objections. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad alleged the original display by R R Sporting Club "hurt Hindu religious sentiments" and encouraged conversion. Club patron Vicky Yadav denied the change was due to protests, claiming committee members decided to "show all religions on the same platform." He said the design aimed to promote religious harmony, inspired by India's multi-faith culture. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal had criticized the original theme, questioning why Hindu deities weren't displayed at churches or madrasas. The club has organized Durga Puja for 50 years, replicating Kolkata's 2022 Sreebhumi Sporting Club Vatican theme.

Kohinoor Islam, a 76-year-old Muslim man from Tentuldinga village in Odisha, has been organizing Sarbajanina Durga Puja for 39 years, creating remarkable communal harmony. Starting in 1986 to help local women avoid traveling to Baripada town for puja rituals, Kohinoor founded the celebration with 24 supporters. The committee has grown from 25 to 550 members from both Hindu and Muslim communities. Kohinoor credits "Allah and Goddess Durga" for the puja's success, while his daughters contribute financially despite living elsewhere. Priest Paritosh Nanda, serving 25 years, praises Kohinoor's devotion. The celebration distributes bhoga to all communities, with committee member Deepak Mishra calling it a festival where "Muslims too are important." (PC: The New Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple Complex in Udaipur, Tripura's Gomati district. This ancient temple, with a remarkable history spanning 524 years, holds immense spiritual significance as one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas in Hindu tradition. The redevelopment project represents a major milestone in preserving India's cultural and religious heritage while modernizing facilities for devotees. The temple complex renovation demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining sacred sites that connect millions of believers to their spiritual roots. This inauguration marks a significant moment for Tripura state and the broader Hindu community. The modernized complex will enhance the pilgrimage experience while preserving the temple's ancient sanctity and architectural heritage for future generations.

Varanasi prepares for a magnificent Dev Deepawali celebration featuring nearly 10 lakh diyas illuminating the sacred ghats along River Ganga. This year's festival emphasizes eco-friendly practices while maintaining traditional grandeur. The spectacular light display promises to transform the holy city's riverbanks into a mesmerizing vista. Large crowds of devotees and tourists are anticipated to witness this spiritual celebration. The event represents a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern environmental consciousness. Varanasi's commitment to sustainable festivities sets an example for other religious celebrations across India. The grand illumination will showcase the city's dedication to preserving cultural heritage while embracing ecological responsibility. This Dev Deepawali promises an unforgettable experience combining spirituality, tradition, and environmental stewardship in the eternal city. (PC: X)

Pune witnessed an extraordinary spiritual spectacle on Rishi Panchami as nearly 35,000 women gathered at the revered Dagdusheth Ganpati temple, marking the 40th anniversary of this unique tradition. Adorned in traditional sarees, the massive congregation chanted the sacred Atharvashirsha in unison and performed a magnificent Maha Aarti ceremony. The temple premises and surrounding streets resonated with devotional fervor, creating an atmosphere of profound faith and cultural unity. This four-decade-old tradition demonstrates the enduring power of collective worship and women's spiritual leadership in Maharashtra's religious landscape. The synchronized prayers of thousands created an unforgettable display of devotion, showcasing how ancient traditions continue to bind communities together in contemporary times, strengthening cultural identity and spiritual bonds.