Need to promote spiritual tourism in Goa by preserving the sanctity of temples : Mr Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

‘Gomantak Mandir-Dharmik Sanstha Parishad’ at Mardol (Goa)

While lighting the lamp, (From left) – Mrs Shefali Vaidya, Sadguru Nilesh Singbal, Mr Jayesh Thali

and Mr Ramesh Shinde

Mardol (Goa) – “The image of Goa has become land of casinos, beaches with scantily clad women, ‘Sunburn’ etc. Is this really the culture of Goa ? Why is temple culture in Goa not being promoted ? Recently, Goa Government has started promoting temple culture which is a good thing. After the construction of the ‘Kashi Vishweshwar Corridor’ in Uttar Pradesh, 8 crore tourists visited there in one year, while in Goa, promoting casinos, beaches, festivals like ‘Sunburn’, only 73 lakh tourists visited Goa last year. So why should temple tourism not be promoted in Goa ? However, not only tourism, but religious and spiritual tourism that preserves the sanctity of temples should be promoted”, said Mr Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti at the ‘Goa State Mandir-Dharmik Sanstha Parishad’ held at Singhpurush hall, Shri Mahalasa Devasthan, Mardol, Ponda. On this occasion, Mr Jayesh Thali (Secretary of Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh), Sadguru Nilesh Singbal (Dharmapracharak of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti) and devout Hindu Mrs Shefali Vaidya were present on the podium.

‘Gomantak Mandir-Dharmik Sanstha Parishad’ started with lighting of the lamp by dignitaries like Sadguru Nilesh Singbal, ‘Social Media Influencer’ and devout Hindu Mrs Shefali Vaidya, Mr Ramesh Shinde and Mr Jayesh Thali. After this, messages of Sachchidanand Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale (Founder, Sanatan Sanstha), H.H. Shrimad Shivananda Saraswati Swami (Peethadhishwar, Shri Gaudapadacharya Muth, Kavale), Sadguru Brahmeshanandacharya Swamiji of Tapobhoomi, Kundaim were read on this occasion.

Thereafter, dignitaries were honoured – Sadguru Nilesh Singbal by Mr Jayant Miringkar (Businessman, Ponda),Mrs Shefali Vaidya by Mrs Hemashri Gadekar (Mahila Sahakari Sanstha), Mr Ramesh Shinde by devout Hindu Mr Ramesh Warkhandkar, Mr Jayesh Thali by devout Hindu Mr Satyawan Mhamal. Mr Jayesh Thali while introducing said, “Temples are a source of peace of mind in today’s hectic life which makes conservation and preservation of temples imperative. The temple trustees should contribute to strengthening the organisation by creating closeness among themselves”.

Mr Ramesh Shinde further stated,

1. The forefathers of Gomantak people sacrificed their lives to protect the temples from the Portuguese invasion but the names of these forefathers are not mentioned anywhere at present.

2. In some places in Goa, it is seen that there are disputes among the trustees, mahajans, priests etc. Due to this, ligations are going on. Today, 5 crore cases are pending in the Courts and one has to wait for generations to get justice. Therefore, the internal disputes of the temples should be resolved among themselves through religious scriptures and Dharmacharyas.

3. If we depend on secular governance to get justice, the Government gets the right to interfere in temple affairs and it has dire consequences. Temples have been brought under Government control in places other than Goa and this should not be allowed to happen in Goa.

4. The temple of Prabhu Shriram in Ayodhya which was destroyed by the Mughals is being rebuilt, but why the temples destroyed by the Portuguese in Goa cannot be rebuilt ? Goa also has many such ‘Ayodhya’ and the temples destroyed by the Portuguese should be rebuilt.

After the inaugural session, there were lecture sessions and a seminars on various topics. The conference was attended by about 250 temple trustees, committee members, devotees etc. Mrs Sumedha Naik and Mr Rahul Vaze compered the programme.

Temples are educational, social and spiritual centres : Mrs Shefali Vaidya, ‘Social Media Influencer’ and a devout Hindu

Goa used to have a magnificent temple culture. These temples were the centres of Marathi education, culture. Goa was connected with Indian culture through these temples. The Portuguese then, first stopped education in Marathi language and then destroyed the temples with the aim of destroying this culture of the Hindus. Temples are educational, social and spiritual centres. Schools used to be held in temples, kirtans, bhajans, pujas were performed in temples, so Hindu children were connected to temples from childhood. Temples are an ancient institution that reflects Indian history and culture. The structure of the temple is Mukhmandapa, Sabhamandapa, Garbhagriha and Shikhar and this structure resembles the structure of human body. The Idol in the temple represents the connection between Paramatma (Supreme God) and Jivatma (embodied soul).

Messages of Saints

Dear devotees, temples should become centres of worship for Hindus – Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale, Founder, Sanatan Sanstha

Sachchidananda Parabrahman Guru (Dr) Athavale

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 and hence dear devotees’ temples should become centres of worship for Hindus.

It is need of the hour that temples and religious institutions unite : H.H. Shrimad Sivananda Saraswati Swami, Peethadhishwar, Shri Gaudapadacharya Muth, Kavale, Ponda

Organising the ‘Gomantak Mandir-Dharmik Sanstha Parishad’ is a commendable initiative. It is the need of the hour that temples and religious institutions unite to counter the attacks on Hindu Dharma in present times. This initiative has my blessings.