📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / SatyaChaudharyy
Religion
650 Police Officers Deploy to Temple Amid Belief Alha-Udal Worship at Night
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 17 Oct 2026, 09:32 AM
👁 16
Authorities have dispatched 650 police personnel to a temple where local belief holds that folk heroes Alha and Udal worship the goddess at night, prompting heightened security.
Police officials have mobilised a contingent of 650 officers to guard a temple following a long‑standing local belief that the legendary folk warriors Alha and Udal descend at night to worship the resident goddess. The deployment aims to ensure public safety and maintain order during the nocturnal rituals that attract devotees and curious onlookers alike.
According to tradition, no one is permitted to stay inside the shrine after dusk; it is said that the goddess prepares herself for the arrival of the heroic spirits, who pay homage before retreating at dawn. This folklore has shaped the temple’s nightly practices and draws a unique blend of reverence and folklore.
The police presence is intended to manage crowds, prevent any untoward incidents, and respect the cultural sentiments attached to the belief. As of now, the deployment has proceeded without any reported disturbances, and officials have urged visitors to cooperate with security measures.
Local authorities have also emphasized that the operation is a precautionary measure, reflecting the importance of preserving both public order and the sanctity of the temple’s customs.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with law‑enforcement agencies prepared to respond to any developments while allowing the traditional worship to continue unhindered.
According to tradition, no one is permitted to stay inside the shrine after dusk; it is said that the goddess prepares herself for the arrival of the heroic spirits, who pay homage before retreating at dawn. This folklore has shaped the temple’s nightly practices and draws a unique blend of reverence and folklore.
The police presence is intended to manage crowds, prevent any untoward incidents, and respect the cultural sentiments attached to the belief. As of now, the deployment has proceeded without any reported disturbances, and officials have urged visitors to cooperate with security measures.
Local authorities have also emphasized that the operation is a precautionary measure, reflecting the importance of preserving both public order and the sanctity of the temple’s customs.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with law‑enforcement agencies prepared to respond to any developments while allowing the traditional worship to continue unhindered.