Editing Religious segregation (section)

==India==
{{main|Religious violence in India|Violence against Muslims in independent India|Violence against Christians in India}} 
{{See also|Freedom of religion in India|Caste-related violence in India}}

The debate over the ban on non-Hindus entering Hindu temples began around 30 years ago when singer [[Yesudas]], who planned to take part in a music program, was stopped at the [[Guruvayur Temple]] gate. He finally had to sing ''[[bhajan]]s'' outside the temple wall. Though several temples in [[Kerala]] have signs saying non-Hindus are barred entry, few of them enforce it as strictly as Guruvayur Temple, which insists on following its distinct traditions. 'Only Orthodox Hindus are allowed’, reads a signboard hanging from the Lion's Gate of the Sri Jagannath Temple in [[Puri]]. The issue has triggered many a controversy in the past and continues to arouse strong feelings even today.<ref name="OutlookInd">{{cite web |last1=Sahu |first1=Sandeep |title=SC For Entry Of Non-Hindus Into Puri Jagannath Temple, Will Servitors Allow? |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sc-for-entry-of-non-hindus-into-puri-jagannath-temple-will-servitors-allow/313183 |website=Outlookindia.com |publisher=Outlook |access-date=25 July 2019}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

In the past a number of dignitaries, including former [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] [[Indira Gandhi]], had not been allowed to enter the 12th century shrine; she was married to a [[Parsi]], [[Feroze Gandhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-27 |title=Not Just President Kovind, Even Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Were Stopped at Jagannath Temple |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/not-just-president-kovind-even-mahatma-gandhi-and-indira-were-stopped-at-jagannath-temple-1792257.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> In 2005, Princess [[Sirindhorn|Mahachakri Sirindhorn]] of [[Thailand]] was not allowed inside the temple as she is a [[Buddhism in Thailand|Buddhist]].<ref name="OutlookInd"/>{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

In 2006, the shrine did not allow a citizen of [[Switzerland]] named Elizabeth Jigler, who had donated 17.8 million Indian rupees to the temple, because she is a Christian. Kashi Vishvanath Varanasi in [[Varanasi]], the temple stands on the western bank of the [[holy river]] [[Ganges|Ganga]], and is one of the [[12 Jyotirlingas]], the holiest of Shiva temples. The most famous of the many temples in Varanasi is the one dedicated to ''Vishveswara''—[[Shiva]] as Lord of the Universe. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, although this is not always enforced. On the northern side of [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple|Vishwanath Temple]] is the Gyan Kupor Well. Non-Hindus are also strictly forbidden entry here.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}