The ‘Jizya’ Tax on Temples

Editorial

Hindus should make every effort to uphold and prove the proverb – ‘Temples are the foundations of the Nation’ !

It is shameful for the Hindus across the country that the State Government has decided to impose a 4% tax on public temples in Bihar. Temples are a source of Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) and places where millions bow in reverence. Imposing a tax on temples is unprecedented (as far as Hindu history is concerned). What the Bihar Government has proposed did not even happen during the Mughal or the British rule. No one can deny that it is even more shameful that the BJP-JD(U) Government has proposed this tax. This is the second major blow to Hindus at a time when the respective State Governments have tried to take over the management of over 4 lakh temples, and they spent the temple wealth on aspects other than what was beneficial. Many Hindu organisations are protesting against Government control of temples and will continue to do so. However, whether they will succeed in freeing the temples from the clutches of the Government is anybody’s guess.

Hence, Hindus need to note that the attacks on temples will not subside despite such promises of the politicians. In Maharashtra alone, many incidents of corruption and mismanagement came to light after the State Government took over the management of the temples. May incidents of encroachment on the land owned by the ‘Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti’ also surfaced. Another major attack came in the form of the appointment of priests on Government payroll and the removal of traditional priests who had worshipped the respective Deities for years. This move also met with resistance, the matter went to the Courts, but justice was not served. Hence, it is uncertain that the Hindus will get justice against the Government move in Bihar.

It will be too much to expect anything on this issue from Rahul Gandhi, who visits temples for political gains as if they are tourist destinations. We will also have to accept that the BJP leaders will not speak about this issue either as the BJP is a coalition partner in the State Government in Bihar..

No tax on churches, mosques, Gurudwaras and Buddha Vihar !

VHP has taken a firm stand against this tax on temples in Bihar. Similarly, all like-minded Hindu organisations should come together and force the Government to repeal the unjust law. Other Hindu organisations should continue to oppose this law while being within the legal framework, and devout lawyers should represent the Hindus and priests in the Courts. We should also note that the BJP-JD(U) Government in Bihar has not imposed such a tax on churches, mosques, Gurudwaras and Buddha Vihar. It seems they cannot dare do this. This Government could only do this with the Hindus considering the fact that there are no elections in the near future.

We cannot deny the possibility that other State Governments will enact similar laws as the politicians across the board treat temples as the geese that lay golden eggs ! These politicians have a similar attitude towards temples as of the Mughals and Islamic invaders. The only difference is that these politicians have enacted laws to loot the temples.

The Hindus have become apathetic and inactive towards matters concerning the Nation & Dharma. Those who they elected weighing their Hindu credentials proved to be no different. This is a complete betrayal of Hindus. Holy texts of Hindu Dharma say – whenever the rulers take the wealth belonging to the Deities and temples into Government custody, their coffers are soon exhausted. These days, many State Governments have to deal with financial constraints as their sources of regular income have dwindled due to the corona pandemic. The Central and State Governments do not have enough funds to spend. The Central Government is disinvesting to generate revenue. It will not be inappropriate if devout Hindus think that the wealth of temples will be diverted to Government coffers.

Hindu kings of the golden Hindu eras gone by used to denote funds generously to temples and get them renovated whenever needed. This led to social welfare, and the coffers of kings were always full. Such kingdoms prospered and flourished in every sense. There is a stark contrast between then and now.

Devote your body, mind and wealth to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’

There is no need to worry about the fate of temples in Uttar Pradesh. Although the BJP is in power here as well, the CM is no other than Yogi Adityanath. We should note that he is a ‘Mahant’ of a prominent Muth in Uttar Pradesh. He knows the spiritual and religious significance of temples very well. He is spearheading the construction activity of the ‘Ram Mandir’ in Ayodhya. He has also banned the sale of meat and alcohol in the surroundings within a 5 km radius to maintain its sanctity. This proves that if leaders abide by Dharma, their governance is also as per Dharma; and if the leaders do not abide by Dharma, they take their people to destruction. The political leaders should abide by Dharma not only to protect temples from attacks but also to govern them according to the guidelines as prescribed by Dharma.

Also, it is equally critical that the management of the temples should be with the devotees. However, the possibility of achieving both these objectives is remote considering the situation we are in today.

There is no alternative to establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ if we want to achieve these objectives for the entire country. Hence, devout Hindus (irrespective of the area of their interest – devotion, abiding by Dharma, Spirituality) should proactively come forward for this noble cause by devoting their body, mind and wealth in whatever capacity they can. Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand Saraswati, Peethadheeshwar of the Govardhanmath has also appealed to Hindus to sacrifice their time and wealth for the country. It is high time that Hindus realise the importance of Saints and follow their advice religiously. Hindus should make every effort to uphold and prove the proverb – ‘Temples are the foundations of the Nation’.