India thrives on the positing of opposites. At a time when community and caste identities are hardening because of a carefully nurtured atmosphere of fear and suspicion, the Supreme Court has ordered that the Jagannath temple in Puri consider allowing people of all faiths entry into the temple where they can make their offerings. Although the court has said that this should be under regulatory conditions and with a dress code, the order still approaches the heart of exclusion on which the religion flourishes. That extends to castes too, but, officially, non-high caste Hindus have been allowed entry from 1948. The predictable resistance to this instruction of the court has overshadowed the fact that it is part of a much broader order, aimed at more general reform. One of the points the order raises is that of hygiene. This issue is of fundamental importance not just in the Puri temple but also in numerous others in certain regions of India. From water usage to the disposal of constantly produced waste, the physical environment of many temples does not quite elevate the spirit.

Even more important is the court's warning against exploitation and extortion. Servitors have been asked by the temple management not to collect money from devotees even on Rathyatra day. Collection boxes or hundis will allow devotees to make their offerings that will go directly to the temple management. This last directive of the Supreme Court, when carried out, would make an enormous difference to visitors; they may get a taste of the peace and worshipfulness for which people go to their deities. But none of this can have pleased the servitors who traditionally form one of the most powerful groups in the temple. The issue of a change in hereditary appointment has also arisen; the legal points are yet to be discussed. Cleanliness and a transparent system of presenting offerings are steps to true reform. Allowing entry of all faiths and castes under regulations could work as a noble model upholding the constitutional value of equality in a secular State. But this should not be limited to one temple alone. All temples and shrines of all religions could, if they so wished, welcome all faiths to visit and worship. That could be the beginning of a bridge over created misunderstandings.