Let us Free Temples from Government Control through United Movement : Sanjay Joshi, State-coordinator, Mandir Maha Sangh

More than 100 trustees attend ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas’ convention held at Mahad (Dist Raigad)

Sadguru Anuradha Wadekar, advocate Mohini Vaidya (lighting lamp), Sanjay Joshi and Abhay Vartak

Mahad (Dist Raigad) – The secular Government of India has no right to take over management of Hindu temples and grab the temple money or change the ancient traditions observed in temples. These secular politicians do not have control over any mosque or a church; then why is there discrimination only against Hindu temples ? The movement against Governments taking over management of temples needs to be intensified. Let all temple trustees unite and stage this movement to free temples from Government control, appealed Sanjay Joshi, the state coordinator of ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh (MMM)’ while addressing the ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas (MMN)’ convention held at Vishwashanti Mangal Karyalaya at Shri Ashtavinayak Kshetra, Shri Ganapati Sansthan, Mahad.

Sanjay Joshi, the state coordinator of ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh

The Convention started with recitation of ‘Veda-Mantras’; followed by lighting of lamp by advocate Mohini Vaidya, the chairperson of Shri Ganapati Sansthan, Sadguru Anuradha Wadekar, and Abhay Vartak, both ‘Dharmapracharak’ of Sanatan Sanstha and Sanjay Joshi, MMM’s state coordinator. The Convention was jointly organised by MMM and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and was attended by more than 100 temple trustees from Raigad district, their representatives, priests, advocates helping in this fight and scholars of temples; besides a few dignitaries viz. advocate Vivek Pethe, trustee of Shri Ganapati Sansthan, Mahad, Shri Kiran Kashikar, etc.

Let us take ahead the mission of ‘Mandir Mahasangh’ – Adv. Mohini Vaidya, chairperson, Shri Ganapati Sansthan, Mahad (Shri Ashtavinayak Kshetra)

Adv. Mohini Vaidya, Chairperson, Shri Ganapati Sansthan, Mahad

Coming together of thinkers helps in unification and work done with unity is more effective. Mandir Mahasangh’s work is going on with a lot of earnestness and enthusiasm. I appeal to temple trustees to take this mission ahead.

Temple trustees need to be alert while carrying on their work – Adv. Swati Dikshit, Dharmadaya Trust and Dekhbhal, Mumbai      

Adv. Swati Dikshit, Dharmadaya Trust and Dekhbhal, Mumbai

People’s inclination to grab temple lands is on the rise. If a dishonest officer is appointed by the Government, it is easy to get control over temple lands. Temple-trustees need to be alert while carrying on their work and try to keep their temples free from Government control.

Try to stop fanatics from entering temple premises – Abhay Vartak, Dharmapracharak, Sanatan Sanstha

Abhay Vartak, Dharmapracharak, Sanatan Sanstha

Mughals and the British tried to destroy temple culture and Hindus faith in their Dharma. Even now, there are attacks on temples, temple culture and Hindus’ religious faith. Temple attacks have not yet stopped despite the laws passed in independent India. The increasing access to fanatics in services related to temples is alarming. We will have to plan for temple protection.

It was pledged by the temple trustees to display banners in temples in Raigad district, giving information about Hindu Dharma and culture; implement dress code in temples; besides intensifying the fight against encroachments on temple lands and temples.

Temple trustees and dignitaries attending the conference

Highlights

1. A resolution was passed with majority by the ‘Gram-sabha’ that no Muslim would be allowed to set up a stall during the religious fair held at Madhi, the land sanctified by the presence of Kanifnath during his penance. The resolution was ratified in this Convention with a round of applause.

2. One of the trustees spontaneously narrated the future plans to be carried out in temples during a discussion session in the Convention.

3. Mr Bhagawan Ganeshkar gave the hall free for holding the Convention.