Kolhapur (Maharashtra) – Government takeover of temples has detrimental effects, which are becoming noticeable. Some temple land is being usurped under the Waqf Act. No one seems to be taking firm action against the attacks on temples. A recent meeting of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh resolved to form a Hindu pressure group to fight land grab, encroachments and other attacks on temples. Trustees and representatives of various temples of Kolhapur city and district attended the meeting held at Lakshminarayan temple. The attendees decided to collectively act as Mandir Rakshak (protectors of temples) to protect Hindu Dharma and the temples. Messrs Pramod Sawant, Prasad Kulkarni, Abhijit Patil of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and other dignitaries were present.
Sadguru Swati Khadaye of Sanatan Sanstha provided spiritual guidance to the attendees. The meeting concluded with everyone resolving to hold monthly meetings of all the temple trustees, organise classes on Hindu Dharma in temples, hold meetings of the Mandir Mahasangh in their respective talukas, display awareness boards and posters in their respective temples.
The attendees shared their thoughts and got their queries answered. Geeta Mandir President Jamnadas Patel (age 83) was present despite recently undergoing a knee surgery. Mr Rajendra Sharma of the Lakshminarayan Temple made the temple available for the meeting.
