Critics argue that the decision reflects wider discrimination, while trustees insist the action is purely administrative and related to staff performance and conduct
NEW DELHI — The famous Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, long regarded as a symbol of communal harmony and Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (shared Hindu-Muslim cultural heritage), has become the centre of controversy. Recently, the temple trust took a drastic step to remove 167 staff members, including 114 Muslim employees who served in various roles within the temple premises. This decision has stirred widespread discussion and deep concerns about religious discrimination against Muslims in a place historically known for coexistence.
For decades, Shani Shingnapur Temple was known not only for the millions of devotees who thronged to seek blessings from Lord Shani but also for its inclusive spirit. Hindu and Muslim workers jointly maintained the temple’s daily operations, reflecting the pluralistic ethos of Indian society. The coexistence of diverse faiths at this revered site was often hailed as an example of unity beyond religion.
However, the recent decision by the temple trust to suspend these employees has shattered this image. According to official statements, the trust cited “disciplinary lapses” and “irregularities” as reasons behind the removal of the staff. Yet, community leaders and rights activists argue that this is a thin veil to mask a targeted effort to exclude Muslims under pressure from certain Hindu groups demanding a homogenised religious space.
The Shani Shingnapur temple trust issued a notification on Friday suspending 167 employees across departments, including those responsible for cleaning, security, maintenance, and other essential services. Of these, 114 were Muslims who had been part of the temple workforce for years.
“The trust’s official explanation is that these removals are due to a lack of adherence to rules and poor performance,” said a temple spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. “There is no question of any religious bias. We maintain strict discipline and the decision is purely administrative.”
However, insiders and local observers reveal a different story. Sources close to the temple trust claim that growing pressure from certain Hindu groups, who have been demanding the removal of Muslim staff citing ‘religious purity’, played a significant role behind the scenes.
An Ahmednagar resident and social activist, Sameer Ansari, expressed his concerns: “This temple stood as a rare example of communal harmony in a country increasingly divided on religious lines. Removing Muslim workers en masse sends a dangerous message that Muslims are no longer welcome even in places they served faithfully for years.”
Many of the affected Muslim employees have worked in the temple for over a decade, some even for generations. They recall times when their families felt proud to serve in a religious site that transcended communal boundaries.
“I have worked here for 15 years,” said Abdul Rashid, a former temple cleaner. “My children used to tell their friends that their father serves at Shani Shingnapur, a place visited by people of all faiths. Now, suddenly, we have been told to leave without any proper inquiry or warning.”
Another former staff member, Amina Bano, who handled kitchen services, shared: “This decision has shattered many lives. We never faced discrimination while working here. It is painful to see religious identity being used to push us out.”
The sudden removal of Muslim employees has created unrest in Ahmednagar and beyond. Muslim communities in nearby towns fear a pattern of increasing exclusion in religious and public institutions.
Local leaders have condemned the action as discriminatory and a breach of India’s secular fabric. “Our constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion,” said Maulana Imran Qureshi of Ahmednagar Jama Masjid. “Temples and mosques alike should be places of peace and inclusion, not sites of exclusion.”
Critics also point out that the timing of the removals coincides with a rise in aggressive Hindu nationalist rhetoric, making the Muslim community feel increasingly vulnerable.
Reports suggest that Hindu right-wing groups have intensified their demands for the temple administration to remove Muslim staff, arguing that only Hindus should work in Hindu temples. These groups claim that the Muslim presence in Hindu religious sites compromises religious sanctity.
An official from a local Hindu organisation, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “There is a growing sentiment that Hindu temples must preserve their religious purity by limiting access only to Hindus in official roles. This is part of a broader trend across the country.”
Such demands have raised alarms about the erosion of India’s pluralistic traditions, where religious communities historically worked side by side in many cultural and religious institutions.
Shani Shingnapur’s legacy of inclusivity is well documented. For centuries, Muslim residents have been integral to the village’s social and economic life. Their participation in temple activities was a symbol of shared cultural bonds.
Prof Sanjay Mirza, a historian from Pune University, remarked: “The temple was a microcosm of Indian syncretism. Removing Muslim staff threatens to undo a legacy of mutual respect. It also reflects the larger national trend of rising communal polarisation.”
Legal experts have weighed in on the controversy, stating that religious institutions in India, though private, must still adhere to constitutional protections against discrimination.
Advocate Shabnam Shaikh, a human rights lawyer, said: “Employment decisions based purely on religion violate fundamental rights. The temple trust’s claim of disciplinary action must be scrutinised carefully to ensure it is not a cover for religious discrimination.”
She added, “There must be a transparent investigation into the allegations of irregularity and fair hearings for the employees involved.”
Despite the backlash, the temple trust has maintained that the decision was based on an internal audit revealing repeated violations of service rules by the affected staff. The trust has rejected all allegations of religious bias.
“Our priority is to maintain discipline and proper functioning of the temple,” said the trust’s spokesperson. “We invite any aggrieved employees to come forward and appeal through proper channels.”
However, many feel the trust has not addressed the concerns of the Muslim community or explained the timing of the mass suspensions in the context of ongoing religious tensions.
This incident reflects a wider pattern of marginalisation faced by Muslims in India. From employment discrimination to social exclusion, many Muslims feel increasingly alienated from mainstream society.
Hussain, a community elder in Ahmednagar, voiced his fear: “If Muslims are no longer welcome even in historic temples where they once served, where will we find acceptance? This is a matter of grave concern for social harmony.”
Human rights groups warn that such exclusions may fuel resentment and deepen communal divides.
Amid rising tensions, community leaders from both the Hindu and Muslim sides have called for calm and dialogue. They urged the temple administration to reconsider its decisions and restore faith in the temple as a place of unity.
“Temples should be bridges, not walls,” said Imam Zafar Ali from a neighbouring town. “We must find ways to work together and uphold the spirit of coexistence.”
The removal of 114 Muslim staff from Shani Shingnapur Temple has sparked a significant controversy that goes beyond employment issues. It raises serious questions about religious freedom, discrimination, and the future of India’s pluralistic society.
