Section 2. Definitions

2. In this Act, unless there is anything repugant in the subject or context- (a)"Depressed class" means any caste or class of the Hindu community which by reason of any custom, usage or practice, is excluded from entering a temple or from offering worship therein. (b) "Hindu" shall include all persons professing the Buddhist, Sikh or Jain religion or persons professing the Hindu religion in any of its forms or developments including Virsahaivas, Lingayats, Adivasis, followers of Brahmo, Prarthana, Arya Samaj and the Swami Narayan Sampraday. (c)"Temple" means a place by whatever name known, which is dedicated to the benefit of, or use as of right by, the Hindu community or any denomination thereof as a place of religious worship and includes subsidiary shrines, maths, devasthans, shivalas , mandapams and all lands appurtenant to such temple. (d) "Worship" means such regligious service as the bulk of the worshippers offers or may offer or participate in, in a temple and includes- (i) bathing in and the use of the waters of any sacred tank, well, spring or watercourse appurtenant to the temple whether situated within or outside the precincts thereof; (ii) the passing over any sacred place, including a hill or hillock or a road, street or pathway which is requisite for obtaining access to the temple.