DNA vs tradition: Paternity dispute turns Uttarakhand’s ‘Jageshwar Dham’ into battleground, priests intervene

Almora: The sacred and serene atmosphere of Jageshwar Dham was disturbed by an unexpected family dispute that left devotees stunned. At the Maha Mrityunjay Temple, where people usually come seeking peace and justice, a family arrived to settle the question of who was the real father of a newborn baby.

What began as a family argument quickly escalated into a heated clash inside the temple premises. The mother-in-law accused her daughter-in-law of having an affair and claimed that the child was not her son’s but belonged to the alleged lover. To everyone’s surprise, the alleged lover also arrived at the temple with his family, adding fuel to the fire.

Daughter-in-law insisted on DNA test

The daughter-in-law strongly rejected the allegations, calling them false. She insisted that only a DNA test could reveal the truth. Her refusal to accept traditional methods of truth testing angered her mother-in-law even more.

Long standing tradition of truth testing in Jageshwar Dham

At Jageshwar Dham, there is a long-standing tradition that truth can be tested by drinking water in front of Lord Maha Mrityunjaya. The mother-in-law agreed to follow this ritual, but the daughter-in-law refused, saying, "No water, only DNA will reveal the truth.” This statement triggered a heated argument between the two women.

Priests had to intervene

Within minutes, the temple’s peaceful environment turned chaotic. Voices were raised, accusations were hurled, and the dispute shocked the devotees present. Many had come to the temple for worship but instead witnessed a dramatic confrontation.

The situation became so tense that the priests had to intervene. They stepped in to calm both sides and eventually escorted the family out of the temple premises to restore peace. Only after their intervention did the atmosphere return to normal.

Personal dispute entered a sacred place

The incident quickly became the talk of the day among devotees and locals. People discussed how such a personal dispute had entered a sacred space, disturbing the sanctity of the temple. Many expressed concern that faith and tradition were being overshadowed by modern demands like DNA testing.

Incident was both shocking and thought-provoking

This unusual clash at Jageshwar Dham highlights the growing tension between traditional beliefs and modern science. While the temple has long been associated with truth and justice through rituals, the younger generation is increasingly demanding scientific proof.

For devotees, the incident was both shocking and thought-provoking. It showed how deeply personal conflicts can spill into public religious spaces, creating drama where people expect peace and devotion.

Jageshwar Temple in Uttarakhand's Almora district is a peaceful, ancient temple complex surrounded by dense deodar forests. Known for its stone carvings and over 200 small shrines, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s calm atmosphere, sacred Jata Ganga stream, and historical beauty make it a popular spiritual destination.