Discussion on ‘Uniting Temples: Efforts and Successes’ at the Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav

The fight will continue until every temple is freed from govt. control – Sunil Ghanwat, Rajya Sangathak, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh, and Samanvayak of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh

After the Tuljapur temple implemented a dress code for visitors, 131 temples in Maharashtra have implemented a dress code. Now this dress code is to be implemented across all temples. Not only this, but every temple in the country has to be freed from government control. The Mandir Mahasangh is the main association of temples in the state. Therefore, the government should consider the opinion of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh before taking any decision regarding the customs and traditions of the temples. Let us free all the four and a half lakh temples across the nation from government control by establishing a Mandir Mahasangh in every state. Now we have to think in terms of the traditions and culture of Hindu temples not only in India, but in the whole world, asserted Sunil Ghanwat.

He was speaking in a discussion on ‘Uniting Temples: Efforts and Successes’ on the second day of the ‘Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav’ in Goa. Mr Prashant Juvekar, Jalgaon district coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, was the other participant. Ms Kritika Khatri, Delhi Spokesperson – Sanatan Sanstha moderated the discussion.

Mr. Ghanwat further said,

1. The Waqf act of 1995 gives the Waqf board employees the status of Public Servants. On the same lines, the government should also establish a ‘Hindu Board’ for the temples and shrines of Hindus and provide them with special facilities. Then the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution will be protected.

2. Temple funds should be used only for temple welfare or Hindu Dharma. Secular governments in India only try to expropriate Hindu temples and take their wealth or change the ancient traditions of the temples, but they will not bring mosques or churches under their control. So all of us have to strive to free temples from government control.

The Mandir Mahasangh’s rapid growth

‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’ was established on 5th February 2023 at Jalgaon. Since then, the activities of the Mahasangh have gradually increased and in just 4 months the Mahasangh has spread across the entire state. Recently, an online meeting of the Mahasangh was held. Also, there will be an actual meeting of the Mahasangh once every 2 months. An annual 2-day state level convention is also in the pipeline.