To create a controversy over the demand for providing cylinders to Jain temples is erroneous ! : Abhay Vartak, Spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha

Mumbai,  March 31 – Jain temples are a part of Sanatan Dharma only. It is the duty of the king to protect the temples. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, Peshwa have protected the temples and rebuilt them. Therefore, it is erroneous to create a controversy over the demand to provide cylinders to Jain temples, said Abhay Vartak, spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha.

Abhay Vartak further said,

“State Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha had sent a letter to the Food and Civil Supplies Department a few days ago requesting to provide 5 cylinders each to 16 Jain temples in Mumbai. Cylinders were required for ‘Ayambil’ festival celebrated in temples. Temples are visited by many people. Then it is difficult to conduct programme without governmental facilities. Since, now there is shortage of cylinders, it was necessary to write a letter to Food and Civil supplies department requesting for commercial cylinders.

The first duty of a king is to protect the temples. In the ‘Shanti Parva’ of Mahabharat, there is a verse that says, ‘Prajanam Rakshanam Dharmo Rājāṇāḥ Param Uchchate’ (Meaning: Protecting the subjects is considered to be the highest duty of the king). The protection of the subjects also includes protection of the religious faith of the society. This is our Indian tradition.’’

Faith shown in temples is justified !

Mangalprabhat Lodha often stands by Hindu temples. Hence, devout Hindus back him. Mangalprabhat Lodha helps Hindu temples and he also strives to specially help for festivals in temples in Mumbai. For this Mangalprabhat Lodha should be praised. To show Jain and Hindus as two separate entities is erroneous . Faith shown by Mangalprabhat Lodha in temple is just, this is the clear opinion of Sanatan Sanstha, said Mr. Abhay Vartak.