Parliamentary Panel’s Recommendation Concerning Puja at Protected Monuments

December 11, 2023

A parliamentary panel has proposed that the government explore the possibility of allowing puja and worship at Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments with religious significance. This recommendation comes as part of the report on ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India,’ presented in both Houses on Friday.

Current ASI Policy: Limited to Existing Traditions

Currently, ASI permits worship and rituals only at monuments where such traditions were ongoing at the time the monument came under the ASI’s custody. The proposed change could potentially open up a broader range of protected monuments, including dilapidated temples, dargahs, churches, and other religious sites.

Parliamentary Committee’s Recommendations

The parliamentary committee, led by YSR Congress Rajya Sabha MP V Vijaisai Reddy, suggested that ASI explores the possibility of permitting puja, worship, and certain religious activities at Centrally Protected Monuments of religious significance. However, this allowance would be subject to the condition that such activities do not harm the conservation and preservation of the monuments.

Response from Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture acknowledged the recommendation, stating it will explore its feasibility. However, it emphasized that, as per the existing policy decision, the revival of worship is not allowed where it was not present at the time of protection by the ASI or has been abandoned for an extended period.

Past Incident at Martand Sun Temple

In May last year, prayers were held at the ruins of the eighth-century Martand Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to concerns from the ASI. The agency deemed it a violation of its rules, stating that prayers are allowed only at sites where they were “functioning places of worship” at the time the ASI assumed control.

Current Status of Protected Monuments

Out of the 3,693 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites managed by the ASI, about a fourth (820) have places of worship. The rest are considered non-living monuments, where new religious rituals are prohibited. The proposed change would potentially impact the category of monuments where worship is currently restricted.

Panel Criticizes Ministry for Limited Action on Recommendations

The parliamentary committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Culture for providing action-taken notes on only 21 out of 35 recommendations from its report on “untraceable monuments.” The committee emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues and conducting surveys to identify monuments promptly.

ASI Rules on Prayers at Protected Sites

ASI rules allow prayers at protected sites only if they were “functioning places of worship” at the time of ASI takeover. Notable examples include the Taj Mahal and several mosques, churches, and Buddhist monasteries. The proposed changes could impact the existing limitations on worship at non-living monuments.

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