VHP launches nationwide movement to free Hindu temples from govt control in Andhra

Hyderabad: BJP's ideological ally, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has launched its nation wide movement to free Hindu temples from government control at a massive meeting christened 'Haindhava Sankharavam' held in Gannavaram of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.

While elaborate arrangements were made for the meeting more than three lakh VHP workers drawn from various parts of the country congregated at Gannavaram. Seers, head pontiffs of different Peethams and Mathams, VHP national representatives, BJP leaders and other spiritual leaders participated in the meeting. At a time when debate is raging over Waqf board and its properties, at VHP's Sunday meeting the message was loud and clear about the properties of Hindu temples and organisations.

“As part of a strategy to divide Hindu society, the East India Company took control of temples in 1817. Since then, governments have been exerting dominance over temples, leading to the encroachment of millions of acres of temple land across the country. Imposing restrictions and regulations on temples that do not apply to other institutions, the government has handed over management responsibilities to non-Hindus in some cases. How such individuals could be expected to uphold the sanctity of temples and protect Hindu dharma,” said VHP national president, Alok Kumar.

He expressed concern that certain individuals have disrupted traditional practices within temples, turning them into centers for political rehabilitation and resettlement under the guise of governing bodies. He lamented that the revenue generated by temples is often mis allocated and criticised the diversion of offerings made by devotees. He emphasised that for many years, injustices have been inflicted upon Hindu dharma, with temples being transformed into revenue sources rather than being preserved as sacred spaces.

Well known pontiff in both the Telugu states, Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swami claimed that Hindu temples once had 15 lakh acres of land , but now only 450,000 acres remained with the temples.

He expressed deep anguish over the destruction of temple properties and traditions. Chinna Jeeyar Swami stressed that the well-being of society is linked to the well-being of temples. He questioned who should make decisions regarding temples and challenged whether it should be officials sitting in offices or the religious authorities (dharmadhikaris). He raised concerns about whether officers should dictate how long worship should last in temples and asserted that devotees should manage their own temples without the need for officials.

The pontiff also criticised the political infiltration in temple committees and called for the restoration of temple properties to their rightful places. He attributed the rise in religious conversions to restrictive regulations on temple visits and warned that those unable to adhere to traditions should be removed from temple activities.

Declaration demands amendment to Hindu temple laws

The VHP meeting also announced a declaration emphasising several key demands regarding Hindu temples. In the declaration VHP demanded complete autonomy for temples. VHP called for amendments to laws to grant full autonomy to Hindu temples. Protection of temple properties: It stated that attacks on temple properties and systems are unacceptable and demanded strict action against those who violate laws related to temple management.

The declaration asserted that restrictions on celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi and Dasara should not be imposed. It also demanded the immediate removal of non-Hindu employees from Hindu temples. It insisted that only those who adhere to Hindu dharma should be appointed as members of temple trust boards, advocating for positions to be filled by non-political religious persons. VHP called for measures to prevent the encroachment of temple properties and demanded the return of any encroached lands to the temples. It stressed that the income generated by temples should be utilized solely for religious activities and not diverted for government programmes.