Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
10th May, 2026, Govardhan: Worship and regular rituals at the ancient Shri Haridev Ji Temple were disrupted after a dispute between two groups over seva and worship rights escalated sharply, prompting intervention from the administration and police.
As tensions mounted, authorities locked the main gate of the temple and deployed police personnel at the premises as a precautionary measure. The closure of the temple left devotees arriving from distant places disappointed, as regular darshan and daily ritual remained suspended throughout the day.
According to officials, disagreements regarding service and worship rights at the temple have been continuing for a long time. The situation intensified on 8th May when members of both groups came face-to-face, raising concerns over law and order.
Several devotees expressed displeasure, stating that internal disputes should not affect the faith of pilgrims. Deepak Goswami, Organising Secretary of Braj Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti, an umbrella organisation of the Temples in Braj, said that he had never witnessed such a situation at the historic temple before. He denounced the act and demanded that the temple should be immediately unlocked for the devotees.
Following the escalation, police reportedly booked some sevayats from one faction under Section 151 as a preventive measure to maintain peace, which further increased resentment among the temple servitors.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sushil Kumar later held discussions with both parties in an attempt to resolve the matter. Talks and reconciliation efforts continued late into the night, though no final resolution had been reached at the time of reporting.
Manasi Ganga, Govardhan, PC: Arjun Bhattacharya
