Muslims are integral to temple traditions

Speaking on behalf of the temple administration, Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a senior priest and committee member, clarified that any call to boycott Muslims was neither practical nor aligned with the spiritual values of Brijmandal, the sacred region encompassing Vrindavan.

“It is not practical. Muslims, particularly artisans and weavers, have deep-rooted contributions here. They’ve played a major role in weaving the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades,” Goswami said. “Many of them have a strong belief in Banke Bihari and visit the temple too” he said, reported Times of India.

For generations, skilled Muslim craftsmen have produced intricate crowns, bangles, and garments for the deity. Their craftsmanship, honed over decades, is vital to the temple’s rituals and daily adornment of the idol. Their devotion, Goswami notes, transcends religious labels.

The response came after some fringe groups held protests in Mathura and Vrindavan, urging Hindu shopkeepers and devotees to boycott Muslim-owned businesses. These groups reportedly demanded that Muslim traders display the proprietor’s name on their shop signboards—an act widely perceived as coercive and discriminatory.

However, Goswami was unequivocal in his stance and said that, “Yes, those terrorists (in Pahalgam) should be punished severely, and we’re totally with the government. But in Vrindavan, Hindus and Muslims live together in peace and harmony” TOI reported.

His message was echoed by several priests and local residents, who expressed solidarity with the Muslim artisans and business owners who have coexisted peacefully in the holy town.

“Bhakti is supreme in Brijmandal”

Goswami, who also serves as the Rajbhog Seva Adhikari at the temple, further emphasised that devotion—bhakti—is the highest principle in the spiritual ethos of Vrindavan.

“Bhakti is supreme in Brijmandal. It rises above knowledge or even detachment (vairagya). If someone has faith and comes for darshan, why should we oppose it?” Goswami asked, reported The Hindu.

Support for Muslim shopkeepers

Just steps away from the temple, Javed Ali, a Muslim shopkeeper who has been selling religious items for over two decades, shared his experience of intimidation by protesters. He was asked to visibly display his name on his shop’s signboard or vacate.

“They came to my shop and asked us to put the name of the proprietor on the signboard. I’ve been running this shop for over 20 years. My father worked here as a tailor. Whenever a customer buys things, I usually give them a bill with my name and mobile number. We have nothing to hide,” Ali said. “With the blessings of Banke Bihari, this place is always peaceful” TOI reports.

His neighbouring shop owner, Nikhil Aggarwal, affirmed that the local community has never had any issues and often supports one another irrespective of faith.

“We’ve never had any problem. We work together and support each other,” Aggarwal noted.

When ‘God’ didn’t stop Raskhan or Rahim from composing bhajans

Lala Pandit, priest at the Danghati Temple in Goverdhan said that, “When God didn’t stop Raskhan or Rahim from composing bhajans, who are we to stop anyone from praying?”

“Lord Krishna is the god of love. There’s no room for hatred in his land” he added

Mahant Dinesh Chaturvedi of the Kali Temple in Mathura echoed the sentiment: “How can anyone prevent a devotee from entering a temple? Temples are public spaces. Every religion has both good and bad people.” Commenting on the impracticality of such boycotts, he added, “You can’t go around asking every shopkeeper about their religion before buying something. Besides, many Muslims have helped tourists in Kashmir. We shouldn’t paint everyone with the same brush” as reported The Hindu.

Govind Pandey, priest of the Dauji Temple in Baldev, also saw no issue with buying from Muslims.

Rejection of discriminatory demands

Earlier, temple priests had also strongly rejected a demand by Dinesh Sharma of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Sangharsh Nyas to stop using garments crafted by Muslim artisans. Sharma argued that only those who followed “religious purity” should be allowed to make Lord Krishna’s attire.

Terming the demand both “impractical” and “misguided,” Goswami pointed out that about 80% of the temple’s attire—including crowns, garments, and zardozi work—are made by Muslim artisans. He also highlighted the logistical challenge of replacing such skilled labour, noting that the deity requires nearly a dozen ornamented outfits each day.

“How can we assess the personal purity of every artisan?” he asked. “If Prahlad could be born in the family of a demon king, and Kansa in the same lineage as Lord Krishna’s grandfather, then how can we judge artisans by their birth or religion?”

Goswami further emphasised that devotees themselves ensure purity when commissioning attire and offerings, reinforcing that faith, not exclusion, lies at the heart of temple customs.

A legacy of shared heritage

The involvement of Muslims in temple traditions is not new. Historically, Muslim artisans have played a vital role in creating the visual grandeur of the Banke Bihari deity. From intricate embroidery to metalwork, their contributions span generations. In similar traditions elsewhere—like the crafting of Rudraksha garlands in Kashi—Muslim families play key roles in Hindu religious life.

Even today, Goswami noted, Muslim musicians perform traditional instruments like the nafiri during festivals. Several acclaimed bhajan singers from the Muslim community continue to offer devotional service to Lord Krishna, embodying the spiritual unity Vrindavan is known for.

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80-year-old Ishtiyaq Ali and his craft to make Hindu deities in wood

Ishtiyaq Ali, a very talented senior artist from Kakori, Uttar Pradesh spent his life’s 67 years making idols of Hindu deities on wood.  His beautiful art of engraving Hindu deities in wood shows a living piece of art. He is very passionate towards his work.

Ishtiyaq said that “I am going on 80 years, when India got independence, we four brothers and two sisters grew up in a zoo, saw a lot of poverty. An idol of Ganpat ji is made in two-three days, Muhammad Sahib’s uncle also used to make idols and perform puja.

 

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He further added that “we are happy that the public is supporting us so much and we are getting so much fame, we are so happy that our name is becoming famous, Jai Bharat”

His remarkable artistry bridges the gap between communities, fostering a sense of mutual respect and admiration. Ishtiyaq’s work embodies the spirit of India’s rich cultural heritage, where diverse faiths and traditions coexist in perfect harmony. His creations are a testament to the power of unity, inspiring us to embrace our differences and celebrate our shared humanity. As we marvel at his beautiful art, we are reminded that love, compassion, and harmony can conquer all boundaries, creating a world where everyone can thrive together. Ishtiyaq Ali’s legacy is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter, more harmonious future.

Muslim craftspeople polishing Lord Krishna’s idols for generations in UP

Zakir Hussain, a skilled craftsman from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has dedicated his life to the revered art of polishing Lord Krishna idols, alongside his family members. For five decades, they have meticulously perfected the brass finishing work on the idols, passing down their expertise through generations. Zakir takes pride in sharing that his three sons have followed in his footsteps, ensuring the continuation of this sacred tradition. As Muslims, their devotion to polishing Hindu deities is a testament to the city’s rich cultural harmony. Their craftsmanship is not just a profession, but an act of love and devotion, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual respect that defines Mathura’s vibrant community. Through their tireless efforts, Zakir and his family have become an integral part of the city’s spiritual fabric, forever leaving their mark on the iconic idols of Lord Krishna.

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Ishtiyaq Ali and Zakir Hussain’s devotion in embracing unity and harmony, transcending religious boundaries through art and devotion, inspiring a brighter future where love, compassion, and mutual respect thrive.

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The post “A Legacy of Love”: Muslim craftsman and devotion for Hindu deities appeared first on SabrangIndia.