Govt need not interfere in Hindus’ customs and traditions : Manoj Khadye, HJS

Demonstrations staged for prevention of trampling of religious customs and traditions observed in Shri Tuljabhavani Temple !

Tuljapur : Devotees may be always allowed to enter temple through ‘Shri Shahajiraje Mahadwar’; ‘Bhakta-niwas’ closed due to indifference of the Government may be immediately opened for devotees; persons with knowledge of ‘Dharma-shaastra’, maintaining religious customs and traditions, Devi-devotees and believers may be appointed in temple committee and the Government should not interfere in Hindus’ religious customs and traditions. We are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘mawlas’ and will not tolerate such oppression, warned Shri. Manoj Khadye, western Maharashtra Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) during demonstrations held on 19th August between 11.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. on the ground in front of ‘Shri Tuljabhavani Mandir’ by ‘Mandir Sanrakshan Kruti Samiti (action committee)’. Various organizations participated in demonstrations which were concluded with submitting representation of demands to Tehasildar Shri. Dinesh Zampale present at the venue. The representation was signed by more than 100 priests and devotees.

Shri. Vipin Shinde, President of ‘Palikar Pujari Sanghatana’, Shri. Mahesh Chopdar, District General Secretary of NCP; Shri. Indrajit Salunke, Vice-President of BJP-Yuva Morcha; Shri. Sandip Gangane, city-President of NCP; Shri. Sagar Ingale, Yuva Sena’s city-President; Shri. Mayur Kadam, President of ‘Godavari Samajik Sanstha’; BJP’s senior leader Balasaheb Shamraj; Yuva Sena’s taluka-Chief Pratik Rochkari etc extended support to action committee while expressing their views.

1.There is custom of having ‘darshan’ of ‘Kallol- teertha’ after entering the main entrance; followed with ‘darshan’ of Shri Ganesh and then have ‘darshan’ of Shri Tuljabhavani  during the period of pilgrimage. The reason behind it being, purification of body; followed with purification of mind. Having ‘darshan’ of the Deity after such purification, gives strength to devotees. But by changing the sequence and making entry through different entrance, devotees have to skip ‘darshan’ of ‘Swayambhu Kallok Teertha’ and Shri Ganesh before entering temple; thus are deprived of the benefits of their ‘darshan’. The administration has taken away spiritual benefits of devotees. Since the establishment of Shri Tuljabhavani Mandir, such practice has been followed and entry has been through only ‘Mahadwar’; however, giving excuse of security, the ‘Mahadwar’ is kept closed during pilgrimage period. During Navaratri, entry through ‘Mahadwar’ is closed and devotees have to face inconvenience; breaking old traditions.

2. Police enter temple wearing shoes and destroy sanctity of this temple.

3. A notice has been issued that priests have to do their duty in Shri Tuljabhavani Temple as per their turn and they have to perform all rituals required to be done of the Deity. It means that one priest would have to remain in temple-sanctum for 12-15 hours at a time and for 24 hours during pilgrimage period. Before issuing such notice, priests should have been consulted to find out practicality but decisions are forced on priests.

A police officer, in plain clothes, came to the venue of demonstrations. He asked the activists whether they would be responsible in case any mishap happened in future. (If devotees are to manage even security, what will police do ? – Editor, Hindujagruti)