In Agra, two men from the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha were arrested for offering ‘Gangajal’ at the Taj Mahal on August 3, 2024. They were caught on video pouring water from plastic bottles on a closed staircase leading to the basement of the monument. They claimed that the Taj Mahal, considered by many as a tomb, is actually a Shiva temple, calling it ‘TejoMahalay.’
The Viral Video: An Unexpected Scene
The video clip of the incident, which quickly went viral, shows one of the men pouring holy water on a sticker with the Om symbol. This act was carried out during the Sawan month, a time dedicated to Lord Shiva. The men had entered the monument after buying tickets, which allowed them to bring in water bottles.
इन बेवकुफो को कोई समझाओ कीं सावन में गंगा जल शिवलिंग पर चढ़ाया जाता है ना कीं कब्र पर
आगरा :ताजमहल के अंदर कब्र पर अखिल भारत हिन्दू महासभा के कार्यकर्ताओं ने गंगाजल चढ़ाया।#tajmahal pic.twitter.com/6s0vDrc0CO
— Gaurav Yadav (@ygauravyadav) August 3, 2024Security Response: Immediate Actions Taken
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for Taj Mahal security, detained the men shortly after the video surfaced. The Tajganj Police confirmed their arrest, and the duo is currently held at the Taj Ganj police station. The police are investigating the incident further.
Background and Ongoing Controversies
Efforts to redefine the Taj Mahal’s identity are not new. Various groups, particularly those aligned with Hindutva ideology, have sought to rename the monument as ‘TejoMahalay,’ asserting it was originally a Shiva temple. There have been previous attempts to conduct religious rituals at the monument, though these have often been stopped by authorities.
Legal and Social Repercussions
Currently, a court case is underway in Agra to seek permission for religious offerings at the Taj Mahal. The case highlights the tension between cultural heritage and religious sentiments. The ongoing debate continues to attract attention, reflecting deep-seated disagreements about the monument’s history and significance.
Past Incidents and Activism
This recent incident follows other attempts by activists, such as a woman from the same organization who tried to carry water from the Ganga river to the Taj Mahal but was stopped by the police.