Gorakhpur (UP), Apr 21 (PTI) A 75-year-old head of a ‘kinnar’ (eunuch) community has constructed a Shiva temple in the Padri Bazar area here at a cost of over Rs 85 lakh, funded entirely through traditional ‘badhai’ (ceremonial blessings) earnings.
People from the surrounding areas have been visiting the site and appreciating the effort by Prema, a kinnar guru, which they said reflected a blend of faith and community welfare.
Prema said the temple will be consecrated on April 24, with preparations underway and locals expressing enthusiasm over the initiative.
Prema, who has been residing in the area for nearly six decades, said her objective is to connect people with spiritual values.
“When people worship, they move towards the path of righteousness. Those who follow the right path contribute to building a strong nation,” Prema said.
“I have used all my life’s earnings from badhai, other sources to fund this project which is around Rs 85 lakh so far,” Prema added.
Apart from constructing the temple, the kinnar guru has also contributed to social causes, including funding road construction and supporting the marriages of underprivileged girls, according to locals.
Prema sustains herself through agriculture, orchards and traditional ‘badhai’ collections during weddings and childbirth ceremonies, and has consistently used her earnings for community welfare.
Emphasising harmony, she said all religions deserve equal respect and ultimately lead to one supreme power.
Eunuchs are traditionally given money, ornaments and other gifts as ‘badhai’ during ceremonial blessings. PTI COR KIS RT
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