Fire at Ancient Hindu Temple in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

A large fire consumed the ancient temple of Matlora in Mandi’s Seraj assembly segment on Saturday night, sources said.

Although details of the incident are still sketchy, sources said the fire began at midnight at the temple that is located in the remote Juhu village. The temple’s wooden structure fed the flames.

Fire brigade found that the area was difficult to access, sources said.

The cause of the fire is yet unknown. The surging flame is estimated to have caused losses estimated to be in lakhs worth of gold, silver and the temple’s antique deity, as well as cash. 

Details: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/himachal-fire-destroys-ancient-temple-in-mandi-s-seraj/832976.html

Andhra Pradesh reserves 50% of posts in temple boards on Caste basis

The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday issued an order providing 50% reservations in all temple committees and endowment institutions to members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Class communities, Hindustan Times reported. Women have also been given 50% reservation in the temple committees.

This is the first time the government has provided reservations in Hindu religious bodies on the basis of caste and gender, reports said.

“We don’t mind people from all sections of the society in the temple trust boards and committees,” said Temples Protection Committee Convener C Ranga Rajan. “What we object to is the appointment of people from weaker sections having faith in other religions.” Rajan also recommended that politicians, businessmen and celebrities should not be included in the committees as those who “really serve god should be appointed”.

Details:

https://scroll.in/latest/937278/andhra-pradesh-reserves-50-of-posts-in-temple-boards-for-backward-classes-scs-sts-and-women

Fire breaks out at temple in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

A fire broke out at a temple in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, police said on Sunday.

The fire started at around 10.30 pm on Saturday at Devi Diwasa Mandir in Kushwa village located in Nirmand tehsil on the border of Kullu and Shimla districts, police officials said.

The temple property was gutted in the fire. However, no loss of life has been reported, police said.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fire-breaks-out-at-temple-in-kullu-1596861-2019-09-08