Meet Shyam, Vinesh, youths who offered 'jal-abhishek' at Taj Mahal's Maqbara | WATCH

New Delhi: A major controversy unfolded at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, when two youths entered the historic site with bottles of Ganga water and performed a ritual. This incident, occurring during the holy month of Sawan, has intensified ongoing debates about the religious significance of the Taj Mahal, which some Hindu groups claim to be an ancient Shiv Mandir known as Tejo Mahal.

What happened at Taj Mahal?

On Saturday, two youths reached the basement of the Taj Mahal and poured Ganga water onto the mausoleum. Their actions were quickly noticed, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detained them. The All India Hindu Mahasabha has since claimed responsibility for this act, asserting it is their birthright to perform such rituals at the site.

आगरा ताजमहल के अंदर कब्र पर अखिल भारत हिन्दू महासभा कार्यकर्ताओं ने गंगाजल चढ़ाया। CISF ने विनेश और श्याम को कस्टडी में लिया। जिलाध्यक्ष मीना राठौर कांवड़ लेकर आई थी, जिन्हें ताज के गेट पर रोक दिया। जबकि ये दोनों युवक बिसलेरी बोतल में पानी लेकर अंदर चले गए। pic.twitter.com/5wkSnETS5Z

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) August 3, 2024

Hindu Mahasabha claims reponsibility

Manish Pandit, divisional president of the Hindu Mahasabha, and national spokesperson Sanjay Jat, have defended the youths' actions. They stated that offering Ganga water in the Tejo Mahal is a birthright and vowed to continue performing abhishek (a ritualistic offering) with Ganga water in the future.

Who are Shyam, Vinesh?

The two individuals, identified as residents of Agra named Vinesh and Shyam, filmed themselves pouring Ganga water on the grave from the basement. While the police have not officially confirmed the incident, it has sparked widespread discussion and controversy.

Hindu organisations tried reciting Hanuman Chalisa earlier

This act comes amidst ongoing petitions in court regarding the Hindu claim over the Taj Mahal. Hindu organizations have previously attempted to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at the monument, further fueling tensions. The latest incident has added to the complex discourse surrounding the Taj Mahal's religious and cultural identity.