A formal request has been submitted to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister by a resident of Haroli, demanding immediate government intervention in the management of the Peernigaha Temple, located in the Basoli village of Una district in the state. It is alleged that there are multiple instances of mismanagement and deviations from Hindu religious traditions, that are insulting to the sentiments of Hindus across the state.

The Peernigaha Temple, managed by the local panchayat committee, has been accused of misrepresenting its historical and religious identity and integrating practices deemed inappropriate by Hindu devotees. The key allegations include:

1. Temple aesthetics resembling a Mosque: It is alleged that the temple’s design and aesthetics, including its white appearance, resemble those of a mosque, which contradict Hindu architectural traditions.
2. Historical misrepresentation: While the temple is historically linked to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata era, it is being portrayed as the shrine of Lakhdata Peer, an Islamic figure from post-1200 AD. The Shivling, traditionally consecrated by the Pandavas in temples across Himachal Pradesh, is absent.
3. Integration of non-Hindu practices: The complaint alleges the inclusion of practices such as offering a chadar in an Islamic manner, which is inconsistent with Hindu customs.
4. Inappropriate murtis and symbols: The installation of an idol of Aisha and the depiction of Sai Baba (also referred to as Chand Mia) in the Kailash Parvat area of the temple were cited as violations of Hindu religious norms. The presence of the Islamic symbol “786” on the back of the murti of Bajrang Bali was also highlighted as an example of the mismanagement.
5. Degradation of Hindu deities: Bhairav Dev and Bhagwan Bajrang Bali are portrayed as gatekeepers (dwarpals) of Lakhdata Peer, and is a profound insult to Hindu religious beliefs.
6. Absence of Brahmin pandits: The temple lacks qualified Brahmin pandits to conduct rituals and daily aartis, which also seem to have Islamic influences.
7. Misuse of funds: Temple funds misappropriated and the management allegedly prioritizing monetary gains over religious integrity.
8. Negative influence of visitors from Punjab: The influx of visitors from Punjab could be linked to issues such as crime, drug abuse, and reports of hotel establishments engaging in illicit activities, including sex rackets.

The complaint also raised concerns about similar practices spreading to other temples in Himachal Pradesh, where Hindu deities are allegedly being positioned as subordinates to figures from other faiths. Residents warned of the potential for unrest if such practices continue unchecked.

The resident has requested that the government take over the administration of the temple to prevent further mismanagement and ensure funds are used for the benefit of the Hindu Samaj and that once corrective measures are implemented, the temple should be returned to community management under appropriate safeguards.