Woman affiliated with ABHM performs ‘jalabhishek’ on a Shivling inside Taj Mahal. | (Photo Courtesy: X)
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: A viral video of a woman performing a ‘Jalabhishek’ (ceremonial offering of holy water) on a Shivling inside the Taj Mahal have raised severe concerns about the security of the historic monument.
As per reports, the woman in the video has been identified as Meera Rathore, District President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM)’s women’s wing. In the viral clips circulating on social media, she could be seen lighting incense sticks and conducting other religious Hindu rituals in the premises.
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In the video, Rathore claims that she brought holy water from the Ganges at the Prayagraj Sangam and carried a small Shivling to perform the ritual. Justifying her act, she claimed that the Taj Mahal was originally ‘Tejo Mahalaya’ and that her ritual was intended to ‘purify’ the heritage structure.
Earlier, during the month of Sawan (July or August), women from ABHM and other groups attempted to offer Gangajal at the Taj Mahal. The latest incident, however, has sparked concerns over security at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where carrying matchsticks, incense sticks, idols, or performing rituals is strictly prohibited.
In response to the incident, Prince Vajpayee, senior conservation assistant at the Taj Mahal, stated that officials are reviewing videos of the Gangajal and Shivling inside the monument. “We have taken note of the incident and are investigating the security lapse. CCTV footage is being examined, and a report has been requested from CISF. Strict action will follow after the investigation,” he told ETV Bharat.
The Petition Regarding Taj Mahal
Earlier, the ABHM had filed a petition with the High Court seeking to stop The Urs—an event organised by the local communities to commemorate the death of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Two other cases concerning the identity of the Taj Mahal or ‘Tejo Mahalaya’ (as alleged in the petition) are currently pending in court. The cases were reportedly filed by Yogi Youth Brigade and Yogeshwar Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh Trust, respectively.
