The announcement that Bengaluru Devasthana Has Banned Weddings has taken many devotees by surprise — a historic temple that once hosted traditional Hindu weddings has now ceased that practice. The reason behind this decision is not a lack of devotees or resources, but a steep rise in divorce cases, burdening both the priests and the institution when former couples approach court for separation. Many couples who had married at the temple later filed for divorce or sought legal separation, forcing priests to be summoned as witnesses. The mounting legal complications and reputational risk compelled temple authorities to act. Source
Bengaluru Devasthana Has Banned Weddings: What Led to the Decision
Rising Divorce Rates and Court Summons for Priests
Over the past several years, the number of couples seeking dissolution of marriages solemnised at the temple increased significantly. In many of these cases, judges directed the priests who had performed the wedding rituals to appear in court and confirm that the marriage did indeed take place at the temple. This meant priests had to repeatedly involve themselves in legal proceedings — often years after the wedding ceremony — to verify details of the marriage ceremonies. Such repeated legal exposure, especially in contentious divorce disputes, proved distressing for the temple staff. Source
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Risk of Forged Documents and Illicit Marriages Among Couples
Temple authorities also cited instances where some couples — often eloping or marrying without parental consent — produced forged or incomplete documents at the time of marriage. In certain extreme cases, it was discovered post‑wedding that one of the parties was already legally married. According to temple officials, this kind of malpractice had serious consequences. There have been allegations that in one incident, the previously married spouse’s original partner reacted violently, resulting in tragic outcomes. Incidents like these not only threatened the sanctity of the temple but also risked its public image. Source
What the Ban Means for the Temple and Devotees
Preserving Sanctity and Protecting Priests
By formally banning weddings, the temple’s management aims to protect its priests from continuous legal hassles. The repeated summons, court appearances, and possible association with contentious divorce cases undermined their spiritual role and added undue stress. The temple administration clarified that while they continue to offer all regular religious services — such as pujas and rituals — they no longer consider marriage ceremonies part of their mandate. The move reaffirms the institution’s desire to remain a purely spiritual space, free from legal entanglements. Source
Impact on Couples Seeking Traditional Weddings
For couples desiring a traditional temple wedding, this ban represents a major change. A revered centuries‑old temple that once offered blessings and sanctity for unions will no longer serve that purpose. Prospective couples must now look for alternate venues — civil marriage registries, marriage halls, or other temples (if permitted). The decision also underscores the increasing legal complexities surrounding marriage and divorce in modern times, highlighting that spiritual unions are not immune to legal scrutinies. Furthermore, the move may prompt other temples in the region to reconsider their own wedding policies, especially if similar patterns of divorce and legal burden emerge. Source
Broader Implications for Religious Institutions
The ban by the temple reflects a broader shift in how religious institutions are viewing their role in societal rituals. Temples, traditionally seen as sanctified spaces for spiritual and community life, are now compelled to redefine boundaries when civil and legal responsibilities start intruding. When marriages lead to divorce and lawsuits, temples — not designed for legal documentation — find themselves ill-equipped to handle such burdens. By stepping back from conducting weddings, temples are signalling that their core functions remain spiritual guidance and worship, not administrative or legal facilitation. This may mark a paradigm shift in temple policies across the state or even the country.
Disclaimer: This article is based on media reports and official statements by the temple authorities. The information has been collated from publicly available sources for informational purposes only.
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