Discussion on Temple Nationalization, Land Grabbing, Waqf Board Encroachments, and Dress Code!
Over 1,000 Temple Representatives to Unite for Temple-Culture Preservation
Shirdi – Temples were built by our kings and queens. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar protected temples and restored those destroyed by invaders. However, today, due to India’s adoption of a secular governance system, temple nationalization, corruption, VIP darshan for a fee, land grabbing, and encroachments by the Waqf Board are rampant. In such times, it is the duty of the Hindu community to protect temple culture. To resolve temple-related issues, provide facilities for devotees, manage darshan queues efficiently, and protect temple traditions, it is essential to organize trustees, priests, and devotees. For this purpose, the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, in collaboration with Mumbai-based Shri Jivdani Devi Sansthan, Shri Jyotirlinga Bhimashankar Devasthan, Shri Sai Palkhi Nivara, and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, is organizing the third ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad’ on December 24-25, 2024, at Shri Sai Palkhi Nivara, Nagar-Manmad Road, Nimgaon, Shirdi.
Over 1,000 invited temple trustees, representatives, priests, advocates fighting for temple rights, and researchers from across Maharashtra will participate in this conference. This information was shared by Shri Sunil Ghanwat, National Coordinator of the Mandir Mahasangh, during a press conference. The event was attended by Major Kisan Gangurde (Retired Army Officer) and President of the Shri Vaijanath Mahadev Devasthan Trust in Malegaon, Shri Dinesh Muthe, owner of Goreram Temple in Nashik and Shri. Pradeep Deshmukh, Coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
Shri Ghanwat added, “In February 2023, during the first ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad’ in Jalgaon, the ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’ was established. The second conference was held in Ozar, Pune. The organization has expanded rapidly, reaching statewide within two years. Through the Mahasangh, over 800 temples have implemented a dress code, and more than 15,000 temples have been organized nationwide.”
Shri Dinesh Muthe stated, “Speakers at this conference will include Shri Vishnu Jain, Advocate in the Supreme Court and Spokesperson for Hindu Front for Justice; Shri Ranjit Savarkar, Chairman of the Swatantryaveer National Memorial; Shri Prasad Kathe, Editor of Jai Maharashtra Channel; Shri Girish Shah of Jain Mandir; Dr. Amit Thadani, activist in temple affairs; Shri Sandeep Singh, author and researcher in temple studies; Shri Ritvik Aurangabadkar of Banganga Trust, and others. Trustees of Ashtavinayak temples, Jyotirlinga Devasthan trustees, Saint Pitha representatives, and Shri Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, will also attend.”
Key discussions in the conference will include: Making temples centers of Sanatan Dharma propagation. Freeing temples from government control, Measures to prevent land encroachment through Waqf laws. Prohibiting meat and alcohol near temple and pilgrimage areas. Restoring neglected temples. This is an invite-only event. To participate, contact 7020383264, urged the Mandir Mahasangh.
