June 30, 2006
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Trust is already in news for siphoning of money by politicians with one PIL waiting for court's final decision. Now it has arranged a temple summit in a five star hotel. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded to stop such five star enjoyment with devotees' donations.

The summit will begin on 28th January; it will be held for two days at the ITC GRAND CENTRAL SHERETON. Representatives of various famous Hindu shrines across the country like Tirupati, Guruvayur , Shirdi, Kedarnath, Badrinath and others will be participating in the summit. All these shrines are nationalised and the representatives are government nominees in some way or the other.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, which is a non-political organisation, has initiated a protest campaign, demanding corrective action by the temple trustees. The Samiti will be organising a signature campaign at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple today between 4 pm and 7 pm. The Samiti will also be holding public protests (?Dharna aandolan?) at the aforementioned summit venue for two days starting from 28th January. The Samiti has called for participation of devotees from all walks of life in these peaceful, legitimate protests.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has declared that the devotees have lost confidence in the temple trustees, as the temple funds were used by politicians. In 2004 despite the orders from Mumbai HC, asking the trust not to distribute money to politicians, the trust has given the money to politicians. On one hand, churches and mosques are spared of government interference, on the other, Hindu temples have been made to come under government control. To wipe off this sin, the government shall hand over the temples to devotees.

On top of it all, the trust has organised a so-called international summit at five star hotels. With the exception of Pashupatinath temple from Nepal, all the participating temples are from India.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has also raised objection at the exclusion of recognised Hindu spiritual leaders and Hindu organisations in the summit. Criticising the inauguration by Union Minister for Tourism, Ms. Renuka Chowdhary, the Samiti has sternly reminded that temples are places of worship and not tourist spots, and therefore, shall not be viewed or projected so.

The samiti has submitted a list of other specific demands, which include:
1.Cancellation of the five star summit or change of its venue to a non-star place,
2. To inaugurate the summit at the hands of a Hindu spiritual leader,
3. To declare the views and efforts of the participating representatives regarding
A. Spreading Hinduism and educating Hindus about their religion,
B. Declaring schemes to help out neglected temples in their area,
C. Declaring that no temple funds will be provided directly or indirectly to a non-Hindu or anti?Hindu cause
4. Cancellation of the Fusion music concert, organised at night for the delegates, as it is wrong to spend devotees' money on such entertainment.
5. To allow a Hindu Janajagruti Samiti member to express his views in the summit.

In addition, the Samiti has issued an open letter to the summit participants about some simple precautions to be observed in performing Hindu rituals during the summit. The Samiti has asked:
? The summit organizers to light the inauguration oil lamp with another oil lamp, and not with a candle.
? That some Akshata (Holy rice) be kept below the oil lamp to be lit. All this is to be performed to increase the chaitanya (divine consciousness) at the summit.
? That the Vyaspeeth (stage) be called so after Maharshi Vyas.
? That anyone, who is going to speak from the Vyaspeeth, observe some basic norms, such as not wearing footwear on the Vyaspeeth.

The Samiti has asked all Hindus including Hindu priests to participate in the protests through its signature campaign to be held at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple.



Sincerely,
Shree Ramesh Shinde,
Spokesperson,
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
Maharashtra state.
9322652711