Know All The News Related Kailash Yatra

The historic city of Gaya in Bihar has been officially renamed as Gayaji, fulfilling decades-long demands from residents who have traditionally referred to the ancient town by this name their entire lives. Gayaji holds profound religious importance for both Hinduism and Buddhism. The city serves as a sacred destination where Hindus perform Pind Daan rituals at the Vishnupad Temple in memory of their ancestors. At the same time, the nearby Bodh Gaya marks the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. According to Hindu religious texts, Gayaji is the same location where Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, performed Pind Daan rituals for his father, Dasharatha. This historical connection reinforces the city’s significance as a pilgrimage destination. The town derives its name from the demon Gayasur, who, according to Hindu mythology, requested that the place become a site of moksha (liberation). This makes Gayaji unique as it is believed to be the only place where performing Pind Daan grants moksha to departed souls.

In a significant environmental initiative, the Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic at all Muzrai temples across the state, effective from August 15, 2025. The decision comes as religious institutions face mounting challenges from plastic waste accumulation through prasad sachets, plastic bottles, and packaging materials. Karnataka Minister for Religious Endowment Ramalinga Reddy declared on Sunday that the ban on plastic use measure will apply to all temples under the Muzrai Department’s jurisdiction. The environmental protection initiative specifically targets water bottles, plastic covers for prasads, and plastic packaging for kumkums and other religious offerings.

The sacred city of Puri is gearing up for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2025, scheduled to commence on June 27, 2025, as the Odisha government implements significant regulatory changes and preservation measures to maintain the spiritual sanctity of one of India’s four sacred Char Dhams. In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the religious atmosphere around the Jagannath Temple, the state government of Odisha has announced comprehensive restrictions on alcohol sales and non-vegetarian food establishments within the temple vicinity. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the sale and purchase of alcohol will be prohibited within a 2-kilometer radius of the temple, while non-vegetarian food operations will be banned within a 3-kilometer radius.

An 800-year-old Shiva temple believed to date back to the Pandya period has been discovered in Udampatti village, Madurai district, following an accidental find in the area. This archaeological discovery came to light when a child playing in open ground in Malampatti panchayat of Udampatti encountered a broken stone structure covered in mud. Villagers subsequently informed the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) and Ms. Devi, leading to the commencement of systematic excavation work with proper permissions.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 3, 2025, and will continue until August 9, marking a significantly shortened duration of 38 days compared to last year’s 54-day pilgrimage period. This reduction in the pilgrimage timeline comes in response to heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack in May, which has prompted authorities to implement unprecedented security measures to ensure the safety of devotees.