A Conclave of Seers calls for the protection of temples in South India

Saints and Seers have to make efforts to stop the attacks on Hindu temples; this is shameful for all Hindu political leaders. ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is required to protect Hindu temples and give time to Saints to impart education on Dharma to Hindus !

Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) – A Conclave of important Hindu Seers from the southern States was underway in Ponnadi village, 50 kms. from Tirupati, to finalise an action plan to protect and preserve Hindu Dharma, its temples and sects. The Conclave assumes significance in light of the fact that there have been many incidents of vandalisation of Hindu temples and Deities in the recent past in Andhra Pradesh.

The conclave was attended by Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamy (Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham), Sri Gowrishankar (Sringeri Mutt head Sri Bharathi Thirtha Swamy’s representative), Sri Viswa Prasanna Thirtha Swamy (Pejawar Mutt Seer), Sri Vidyaranya Bharathi Swamy (Hampi Vidyaranya Maha Sansthan Peeth head), Sri Vidya Sankar Bharathi Swamy (Seer of Pushpa Giri Mutt), Sri Satchidananda Saraswathi (Tuni Satchindananda Tapovan head), Representative of Ahobila Mutt Seer Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesikan, Sri Kamalananda Bharathi (Bhuvaneswari Maha Peeth head), Sri Sitaram (Sri Mamukshujana Peetham head) and Senior Editor MVR Sastry.

The Conclave stated that the immediate concern was the consistent and concerted attacks on temples for over a year in AP.

There has been desecration and destruction of sacred Idols, burning of temple chariots and daylight robbery of temple properties and ornaments. “There seems to be a sinister method in the madness. Viewed along with the apathy of the State Government, the callous attitude of the ruling establishment from top to bottom, the blatantly partisan and insensitive approach of the Police, the undue pampering of minorities, the disgusting sway of non-Hindus and anti-Hindus in the administration of Hindu temples, the illegal propagation of other creeds in the Holy precincts of Hindu temples, high-handed attempts of proselytisation and rampant conversions by undue inducements and coercions with the connivance of authorities, the scenario is indeed alarming”, the Seers said.

Dharma in peril

They were particularly upset with the AP Government and came out openly against it in the strongest of words. The Seers said when Dharma was in peril, the Dharmacharyas could not remain silent and indifferent. “When unscrupulous political parties jumped in the fray and messed up the situation with their dirty tricks and bickering, when the media, intelligentsia and civil society failed to counter the adharmik and ‘asuric’ forces and when people are perplexed and desperately seeking guidance, the Saints and Seers should move and respond”.

The Seers have decided to draw up effective short-term and long-term action plans to mobilise aggrieved people and safeguard Hindu Dharma and Sanatan Dharma from attacks. The Conclave also decided to launch a peaceful, lawful and comprehensive Dharmik movement, keeping politics and politicians at bay.

Rise in attacks

The Seers at the Conclave concluded that the attacks on Hindu Dharma, its faith, rituals, practices and Deities have been on the increase in the southern States. The Conclave expressed deep shock and concern over the breaking of the Shriram Idol at an ancient temple in North Andhra, at a time when the entire Hindu community in the country has come forward to construct the Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

The Conclave passed several resolutions, urging the Centre and States to enact laws to protect Hindu Dharma. Most important among them was the demand that the funds, donations and revenue collected by Hindu temples and organisations be spent for only Hindu religious and philanthropic programmes and not on other Government welfare and development programmes. The Conclave also demanded that Governments appoint people with immense faith in Hindu Dharma at temples, to their the governing boards and councils.