Muslim caretaker of Hindu temple in Bihar

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Muslim caretaker of a Hindu temple in Bihar

 

IANS

 

PATNA: He stands guard day and night, keeping watch over an ancient

Hindu temple in Bihar. Nothing remarkable one might say, but this

volunteer temple caretaker is a Muslim.

 

Azimuddin Ansari has become something of legend around Mundeshwari

temple on the top of Kaimur hill in Kaimur district, close to the

border with Uttar Pradesh.

 

In his early 40s, Ansari, popularly known as Jeemu, is the self-

appointed protector of the temple declared a historical monument by

the Archaeological Survey of India.

 

He has been standing guard at the temple for the last 15 years

because it is the pride of the area.

 

The temple is said to be over 1,500 years old and attracts visitors

and Hindu pilgrims from across India because of its historical and

religious importance.

 

A senior district official said Ansari has been looking after the

temple even though the government doesn't give him a dime. He lives

off the money devotees give him from time to time for his yeomen

service.

 

"His contribution to protect the temple is lauded by locals and

pilgrims alike and all respect him," the official told IANS.

 

Dressed in khaki, Ansari resembles a policeman as he goes around the

temple. And he allows no one to violate the Hindu shrine's sanctity.

He once took on some temple priests who were stealing from the

donations devotees made at the shrine.

 

The district administration sacked the priests.