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Udupi (Karnataka) : "Hinduism still exists in India because of its temples.Several attempts were made by many people in the past to destroy temples, but they remained strong, binding the people together," said Sri Vishweshatirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.He spoke after inaugurating an all-member convention of the district’s notified temples’ organizing committees, organized by the district religious endowment department at Town Hall here on Saturday February 9.
Sri Vishweshatirtha Swamiji further said, "As far as Hindu religion is concerned, every temple is the root of Hinduism and to uphold culture and dignity of Hinduism, pujas and bhajans are a must. This is one of the best programmes organized by the endowment department."
"For a strong temple organization it is important to have a well-structured administration and formation of organizing committee is also necessary," he added. He also urged the temple committees to give importance to social activities and provide social help to the needy.
"Temples should publicize themselves like churches. Hindus should not be allowed to convert to Christianity, and for this the temples have to provide everything which the churches provide to influence Hindus. To stop conversion, all Hindu organizations should work together along with temple committees, temple-related organizations, Maths and muzrai department," he said.
"The government cannot interfere in religious affairs. Hence departments should be formed with temple administration under them. This will give a clear structure to development and fulfill the necessities of the temples," he opined.
"To uphold Hinduism the least we can to do is to provide religious education and basic knowledge of Bhajans to all. Social prayers should be conducted atleast once in 15 days in every temple," Pejawar Swamiji added.
Kota Srinivas Poojary said that for effective temple administration it is necessary to form an organizing committee which can look after the needs of the temple. "They should work together and regularly hold meetings and seminars on the administration and problems faced by the temples. In the state there are 34,266 temples and all of them are categorizes with A, B and C grades. There are 125 temples which belong to A grade which earn more than Rs 20 lac, 189 temples under B grade which earn between Rs 5 lac and Rs 20 lac, and more than 33,900 temples under C grade which earn below Rs 5 lac," he said.
"Nearly 15,000 temples earned less than Rs 1 lac. These temples were earlier given Rs 6,000 per year and under Dr V S Acharya they were given Rs 12,000 per year for their basic needs. I have increased this amount to Rs 24,000, for which the order will be issued next week. This amount will be used for conducting pujas and fulfilling other needs of the temples, so that a good puja system is followed and people visit the temples more often," he added.
"As minister, I have released Rs 19.8 lac for 480 temples. More will be sanctioned soon. In Karnataka 25 temples are considered as ‘Pravasi (tourist) temples’. Rs 1 crore has been allotted for them and KSRTC bus facility will also be provided for tourists," he said.
He also said that it had been his dream to hold a ‘Religious Day’ and the same will be celebrated on Chandramana Ugadi day. "Within ten days an order for the same will be passed. This will bring everyone together," he said.
"Next month a new magazine by the muzrai department will be released which will have some of the best articles aimed to promote culture. It will be distributed to all the temples and related organizations. Name for the new magazine is yet to be decided," he informed.
"Using gods’ images in unwanted places or on materials will be banned and strict action will be taken against violators," he said.
"In the name of black magic women and children are being exploited. This will not be tolerated. To check this, a committee will be formed and within a year a report will be submitted. On this basis appropriate action will be taken," he added.
MLA Raghupati Bhat, Tingale Vikramarjuna Hegde, CDA chairman, Sheela Shetty and others were present.
Source : Daijiworld
