Will fight unitedly to free temples from Govt control : Resolve of trustees at the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Adhiveshan in Nagpur

Over 250 temple representatives from Yavatmal, Akola, Wardha, Chandrapur, Amravati, and Nagpur Districts attended the event

From Left Advocate (East) Suresh Kulkarni, Air Marshal Shirish Dev, Sunil Ghanwat, Pradeep Tendulkar and Dilip Deshmukh

Nagpur – The temple representatives gathered at the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Adhiveshan held at Shriram Mandir, Ramnagar, Nagpur resolved to fight unitedly to free the temples from Government control. During this Adhiveshan, distinguished speakers addressed the audience on various topics including, temple management, union of temples, security, and the transformation of temples into centres for Dharmaprasar. Eminent personalities such as Mr Pradeep Pandey, H.H. (Advocate) Suresh Kulkarni (Bombay High Court), revered Bhagwatacharya Param Shradhey Nand Kishore Pandey Maharaj, Mr Sunil Ghanwat (Coordinator, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s State Coordinator for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh), Mr Pradeep Tendolkar (President, Jivdani Mata Mandir, Virar), Air Marshal Shirish Deo (Deputy Chief (retd), Air Force), Mr Dilip Deshmukh (Former Charity Commissioner) and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Adhiveshan (Nagpur-Vidarbha region) was organised in collaboration with Shri Guru Brihaspati Mandir, Sankatmochan Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi. The event saw the participation of over 250 temple representatives, commencing with the ceremonial lighting of lamps by the dignitaries and Saints.

Role of trustees and devotees critical to make a temple – Bhagwatacharya Param Shradhey Nand Kishore Pandey Maharaj

I support the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Adhiveshan. If we protect Dharma, Dharma will protect us. It is not only the pranapratishtha of a murti in a temple that makes it a temple, but the chanting of mantras by the priests, dedication of trustees and the faith of the devotees makes it a temple.

Unity of lawyers is necessary for Dharma – H.H. (Advocate) Suresh Kulkarni

Temples and lawyers share a close connection. Recently, through legal battles, favourable decisions have been achieved for Hindus. Hence, the unity of lawyers is essential for the cause of Dharma.

Govt controlled temples should be handed over to devotees and temple funds should be used for the purpose of Dharma only – Sunil Ghanwat, Coordinator, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh

Numerous temples have been taken over by the Government, leading to substantial financial misappropriation. Temple rituals are being stopped, funds amounting to crores of rupees offered by Hindus in temples, are being used for other sects. These are the adverse effects of temples take over by the Government. If this is to be stopped, the temples should be handed over to the devotees and the temple funds should be used for the purpose of Dharma only.

With God’s blessings, any task related to the temples can be accomplished – Pradeep Tendolkar, Jivdani Mata Mandir, Virar, Mumbai

Funds flow into the temple through various channels and it is crucial to utilise them judiciously. Jivdani Mandir strives to offer quality education at a nominal fee. The temple’s entire management revolves around placing devotees at the core. A devotee’s connection to the temple thrives on transparent transactions, cleanliness and a secure environment. When utilising temple funds, it is imperative to allocate them in a manner that maximises
benefits for the devotees.

Temple trustees should keep a record of all the temple assets – Dilip Deshmukh, Former Charity Commissioner

Temple trustees must meticulously maintain records of all the temple assets, resolutions, documents and events to ensure effective management. This practice helps prevent issues in the administration of the temple. Maintaining comprehensive records also minimises the likelihood of temple takeovers. Effective coordination between the Charity Commissioner and trustees is crucial in this regard. Mr Shrikant Pisolkar emphasised the need for collective efforts to prevent Government takeovers of the temples. Retired Air Force Deputy Chief Shirish Deo stated, “When Hindus become physically and mentally strong, Hindu Dharma will prosper.”

On this occasion, a seminar was organised to discuss the problems faced by temple trustees and proper management. Speakers provided guidance and clarified doubts.

The programme commenced with Mr Abhijit Polke of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti reading the message from Sachchidananda Parabrahman Dr Jayant Athavale, founder, Sanatan Sanstha. Mr Sunil Ghanwat presented a functional review of the Mandir Mahasangh. Advocate Mrs Vaishali Paranjape and Mrs Gauri Joshi anchored the event. Mr Anup Jaiswal discussed Court battles to prevent encroachments on temple land, ‘Kul Kayda’ (The Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1948) and the successes achieved. Guidance on the ‘Temple Dress Code’was provided by Mr Nilesh Tawalare, while Mr Atul Arvenla shared insights on ‘Dharmashikshan (education on Dharma) through temples.’ The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries such as Mr Ravi Waghmare (President, Shriram Temple, Ramnagar, Nagpur), Mr Mishkil Patil (President, Shri Guru Brihaspati Temple, Kanholibara), Mr Arun Kulkarni (Trustee, Shri Tekdi Ganesha Temple) and others.

Resolutions passed in Adhiveshan

1. Following the orders of the Supreme Court, the Maharashtra Government should free all the temples in the State and hand them over to devotees.

2. Government of Maharashtra should declare not to use temple property for development works. Along with this, a total of 8 resolutions were passed unanimously.