All the Saints demand that Hindu temples be free from encroachment : Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshanandgiriji Maharaj

VHP’s Central Steering Committee meeting held at Kumbha Kshetra

From left, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Bajranglal Bangra, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadheshanand Giriji Maharaj (speaking) and National President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Alok Sharma

Prayagraj – “Hindus have the right not only over the Shriram Temple in Ayodhya, but also over the temples in Kashi and Mathura. Hindu cultural heritage has been found in many places in India where religious sites have been excavated. Therefore, the Hindu temples encroached upon through the ‘Places of Worship Act’ should be freed. This is also the demand of all the Saints,” asserted Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshanandgiriji Maharaj of Juna Akhada. He was speaking at a press conference held after the meeting of the Central Steering Committee of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad held on 24 ^th January, 2025. National President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Alok Sharma and General Secretary Bajranglal Bangra were present on this occasion.

Temples should be freed from Government control

Regarding the Government control over temples, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshanand Giriji said, “The Government took over the management of Hindu temples; however, it cannot take over the muths and temples for a long time. We are in discussions with the State Government to free the temples from Government control. Every year, Rs 1,86,000 crore are going to the Government exchequer from Hindu temples. From this, the salaries of Government officials and other expenses are being met. This money belongs to Hindus. In the coming time, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad will launch a movement to free the temples from Government control.”

Waqf Act should be abolished

Regarding the Waqf Board, Awadheshanand Giriji said, “The Waqf Board is basically illegal. The ‘Rashtriya Muslim Mancha’ has also opposed this law. There are two types of people living in India, Hindus and those whose ancestors were Hindus. Muslims were originally Hindus. Therefore, we demand that the Waqf Act be repealed.”