Message of Sachchidananda Parabraham (Dr) Jayant Athavale, Founder of Sanatan Sanstha, on the occasion of State level Mandir Parishad

Devotees, realise that it is the work of religious organisations to liberate the temples from the Govt control

My namaskar to all the temple representatives present at the Maharashtra Temple Trust Council ! The temple is called ‘Devasthan’ as Deities reside in the temple. During the regular puja, abhishekam, etc. in the temple, as well as during the aarti, the Chaitanya of the Deity is emitted. Hence, temples are the spiritual source of Chaitanya for Hindus. Many people experience peace of mind after visiting temples. For this, the sanctity of the temples must be maintained.

Nowadays, the Government is taking over temples citing reasons like ‘management’ and ‘appropriation of funds’. Government representatives, public representatives etc. have been appointed as ‘trustees’ at all the important temples. One never hears of Government administrators being appointed or acquired over mosques or churches. When the Government representatives take over the temples, customs and traditions are banned. There is corruption in received donations. Other religion’s employees are hired. If this vicious cycle is to be stopped, devout Hindus must take the initiative to free temples from Government control. Devotees note that it is the work of the religious organisations to liberate the religious temples from the control of the Government !