Ahmedabad: The congestion of vendors near the Nagardevi Bhadrakali temple in the heart of the city has been a major problem for devotees for some time. In addition, several non-vegetarian shops have started operating without permission within the 1,000 sq. m. vicinity of the temple premises, reportedly compromising the sanctity of the temple surroundings. There is now a demand to shut down these illegal shops and revoke the licenses of those operating legally, as their presence hurts the sentiments of devotees visiting the temple.

In a letter sent by the Shri Rambali Prag Tiwari Trust, which oversees the temple management, to the Municipal Commissioner, Mayor, and Chairman of the Standing Committee, it was stated, “In the 1,000 sq. m. area around Nagardevi Shri Bhadrakali Mataji, numerous non-vegetarian snack and food shops are gradually operating, either legally or illegally. This is hurting the sentiments of devotees and followers of Sanatan Dharma and goes against the principles of non-violence advocated by Sanatan Dharma and the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.”

The trust has urged authorities to close the unlicensed non-vegetarian shops and revoke the licenses of the licensed ones so that the sanctity and dignity of Nagardevi Shri Bhadrakali Mataji can be preserved.

The temple priest told the media that earlier, non-vegetarian shops were not operating near the temple and only began opening after the COVID-19 period. The temple has received numerous complaints from devotees requesting action. On behalf of the devotees and the temple, the trust has written to the municipal corporation, stating that as Sanatan Dharma does not permit Tamasic (non-vegetarian) food, an increase in such shops in the area may discourage devotees from visiting the Nagardevi temple. DeshGujarat