The need to wage a nationwide struggle to free temples from Government takeover ! : Consensus of dignitaries in the convention

Online ‘Protection of Temple-culture National Convention’ concludes; Temple trustees from various States across the country unite for the protection of temples

Mumbai – Various assaults are taking place on Hindu temples across the country today. Massive corruption is going on in Government-managed temples across the country. Millions of acres of temple land are being plundered. The ruling of the Supreme Court in 2014 to return the temples to the devotees has not been implemented. Hindu temples in many States are being taken over by the Government by legislating Acts. God’s money and land in Hindu temples are being distributed to other religious communities. Restrictions are placed on the traditions and practices of ancient temples in the name of so-called equality and modernisation. Traditional priests are being removed from temples. Officials of other religions are appointed in temple management committees in the name of secularism. Thus, a sinister conspiracy is being hatched to destroy the temple-culture by attacking temples across the country. Encroachments too are rampant on temple land besides vandalism of Idols by religious fanatics. There is a need for Hindus to unite and start a nationwide struggle against all these assaults on Hindu temples.

These sentiments were expressed by 22 dignitaries from across the country who participated in the Online ‘Protection of Temple-culture National Convention 2021’. This was the first convention organised by the ’Federation of Temples and Religious Institutions’ and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

The Convention was addressed by dignitaries including H.H. (Dr.) Santosh Kumar Maharaj (of ‘Shivdhara Ashram’ at Amravati), H.H. Nilesh Singbal (Sanatan Sanstha’s Dharmaprasarak for Northeast India), Mr. Giridhar Mamidi (Vice President, Pragya Bharti, Telangana), Mr. Pramod Mutalik (President, Sriram Sene, Karnataka), Ashwathy Tirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi (of Tiruvankur dynasty in Kerala), Advocate Ankur Sharma (from Jammu & Kashmir), Mr. CS Rangarajan (Trustee of Shri Balaji Mandir, Telangana) and  HBP Ramakrushna Veer Maharaj (Spokesperson of Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Protection Action Committee), etc. The Convention was viewed by 20,430 people on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. At the beginning of the Convention, a video on ‘Harmful effects of Government take-over of temples and assaults on temples’ was shown. At the conclusion, various resolutions were proposed to protect and nurture the temple-culture. All these resolutions were unanimously passed with the slogan of ‘Har Har Mahadev’.

Resolutions passed unanimously in the Convention 2021

1. Following the order of the Supreme Court, the Central Government should immediately revoke the acquisition of temples across the country and hand over the administration of temples to the devotees.

2. A Management Committee should be established at the national level to take decisions regarding the management of all ancient temples, traditions and religious rites in the temples.

3. Corruption cases in Government-controlled temples should be dealt with expeditiously and the culprits should be punished severely.

4. Cases of vandalism of temples or Idols should be heard expeditiously and strict action should be taken against the culprits.

5. Anti-blasphemy law should be enacted in the country to take stern action against anyone who denigrates temples, Deities, temple traditions.

6. The Places of Worship Act, which came into force in 1991, should be repealed.

7. Thousands of temples such as Shrikrushna Mandir in Mathura, Shri Vishweshwar Mandir in Kashi should be restored to their original places.

8. Religious preachers of other religions should be prohibited from propagating their religion within 5-km radius of temples.

9. Liquor and meat shops should be banned within 500 metres of any temple to maintain its sanctity).

Anti-blasphemy law should be enacted to take stern action against anyone who denigrates temples, Deities, traditions !