Unanimous Demand by Over 875 Temple Trustees for Implementation of the ‘Anti-Land Grabbing’ Law!
Determination to Establish Security Committees for Each Temple!
Shirdi – At the conclusion of the Third ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad’ held on December 24–25 at Shri Sai Palakhi Nivara, Shirdi, a unanimous resolution was passed to establish a security committee for each temple. Additionally, 10 resolutions, including the immediate implementation of the ‘Anti-Land Grabbing’ law to prevent illegal transfers of temple lands, were approved unanimously with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ The temple federation plans to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister soon to present these demands, and State Employment Guarantee Minister Shri Bharat Gogawale has assured special support for this initiative.
The conference was attended by trustees of ‘Shri Vighnahar Ganpati Devasthan Trust,’ Pune’s Gram Daivat Shri Kasba Ganpati, Bhimashankar Devasthan, Ranjangaon and Jejuri Devasthan, Shri Kshetra Bet Kopargaon’s Rashtrasant Janardan Swami (Maungiriji) Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, representatives of the Akhil Bhartiya Purohit Sangh, Shri Tuljabhavani Pujari Mandal, representatives of Sant Peethas, and over 875 temple trustees from across the state. All attendees resolved to establish an exemplary temple organization in Maharashtra.
Unanimously Approved Resolutions: Organizing weekly collective aarti against encroachments on temples and their lands; Fast-tracking the cases of Kashi and Mathura pilgrimage centers in courts; Releasing all temples in the state from government control and entrusting them to devotees; Announcing that funds offered by devotees in temples will not be used for developmental projects by the government; Stopping illegal government directives from the Charity Commissioner’s Office requesting temple donations and ensuring that temple funds are used solely for religious purposes; Allocating significant budgetary provisions for the restoration of temples of mythological and historical importance in Maharashtra; Surveying and removing encroachments on temples located in pilgrimage sites, sacred areas, and forts; Promptly addressing the issue of ‘Class C’ temples not being upgraded to ‘Class B’ despite complete documentation; Issuing a government notification to declare temple premises as alcohol and meat-free zones; Deciding on providing monthly remuneration to temple priests in the state;
Discussion on Temple Issues : The two-day conference included discussions on various temple issues, guidance from experts, and group discussions. Topics included ‘Transforming Temples into Centers for Sanatan Dharma Promotion,’ ‘Solutions to Encroachment on Temple Lands under the Waqf Act,’ ‘Dress Code in Temples,’ and ‘Coordination Between Charity Commissioner’s Office and Temples.’ Based on these discussions, the above resolutions were approved.
Presence of over 875 temple representatives at the third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad in Shirdi!
Strengthening the fight against encroachments on temples and their lands, a resolution for ‘Aarti wherever there is a temple’ was made!
Shirdi – Initiatives like installing boards providing information about Hindu Dharma and culture in 108 temples, implementing a dress code in over 100 temples, and starting cultural education classes for children in temples were discussed. Strengthening the fight against encroachments on temple lands, the resolution for ‘Aarti wherever there is a temple’ was made by the temple trustees and representatives on the second day of the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad (‘Maharashtra Temple Trust Council.)’ This Parishad was held at Shri Sai Palakhi Nivara, Nimgaon, Shirdi, with participation from over 875 invited temple trustees, representatives, priests, lawyers fighting for temple protection, and temple scholars from across Maharashtra.
Allow only Hindus to do business in temple premises! – Mr. Sunil Ghanwat, Mandir Mahasangh
Through the Waqf Board, non-Hindus have encroached on the lands of temples and Hindus. In many cases, Hindus have lost their temple lands. To combat this, we demand not just amendments to the Waqf Act but its complete repeal, on behalf of the Mandir Mahasangh. Those who do not believe in Hindu deities have shops in temple premises and sell offerings, flowers, etc. Moreover, they indulge in practices like spitting on goods, termed ‘spit jihad.’ Henceforth, during village fairs or festivals, we must ensure that shops of other religions are not permitted. Currently, the Akhada Parishad and saints have taken the commendable decision to allow only Hindus to trade within the Kumbh Mela area at this year’s Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, said the national coordinator of the Mandir Mahasangh, Mr. Sunil Ghanwat.
‘Om Certification’ for Hindu traders in temple premises and creation of a ‘Hindu Workforce’ for temple jobs! – Mr. Ranjit Savarkar
Today, efforts are being made to expand religious influence through the ‘Halal Certification.’ In response, the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak has introduced the ‘Om Certification.’ This certification is essential for Hindu traders operating in or around temples. Additionally, to ensure that temples have only Hindu workers, we will soon create a ‘Hindu Work force,’ where only Hindus will be employed. These measures were emphasized by the chairperson of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, Mr. Ranjit Savarkar.
During the event, the Maharashtra State President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, Aniket Shastri Deshpande, said, “Just as there is Halal Certification, Hindus should start using ‘Om Certification’ and buy products exclusively from such certified places.” Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj of Shri Kalaram Temple, Nashik, said, “The Constitution provides equal rights to everyone, allowing them to decide whom to buy from or not. Hence, Hindus must resolve to purchase offerings, especially Prasad, only from Hindu sellers.”
Initiation of temple membership registration and the Mandir Mahasangh’s social media cell!
During this council, the Mandir Mahasangh’s membership registration drive was initiated. Additionally, the launch of the Mandir Mahasangh’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) took place in the esteemed presence of Sanatan Sanstha’s Dharma Prasarak, Sadguru Swati Khadye; Tarakeshwar Gadh’s Mahant Adinath Shastri; Shri Dharmal Sansthan’s Mahant Deorao Baba from Malhara, Achalpur; Sanjivani Gadh’s Mahant Pujya Shankar Maharaj; and Pune’s ‘Om Jai Shankar Spiritual Foundation’ Math’s Param Pujya Pappaji Puranik Maharaj. A QR code was provided to facilitate direct registration. Furthermore, the launch of the ‘Sanatan Panchang 2025’ app for Android and iOS platforms was also conducted.
Honor for Advocate Sanjeev Deshpande, who fought against corruption in Shri Tuljabhavani Temple!
Advocate Sanjeev Deshpande from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, who successfully fought a free legal battle against corruption worth crores in the Shri Bhavani Devi Temple at Tuljapur, was felicitated by Sanatan Sanstha’s spokesperson, Mr. Abhay Vartak, with a shawl, coconut, and a bouquet during the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad. Advocate Suresh Kulkarni, a founding member of the Hindu Vidhidnya parishad and a stalwart in the legal battle against corruption in Shri Tuljabhavani Temple, was also present on the occasion. The legal fight continues under the aegis of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
On this occasion, Pujya Sudarshan Maharaj Kapate, Maharashtra State Vice President of the ‘Global Mahanubhav Sangh,’ said, ‘‘To stop the encroachment on Hindu religious sites, it is important for Hindus to unite. When the feeling that every temple of Sanatan Hindu Dharma is ours awakens among Hindus, only then can the encroachment on Hindu temples be resisted. Non-Hindus gather five times a day; therefore, Hindus should also unite at least once a day. The Temple Trust Council is already working for the protection of temples, but every devout Hindu must contribute to this effort.’’
On this occasion, Mr. Ravi Gyanchandani, Vice President of BJP, Yavatmal said , ‘‘Through the Mahaarti Parivar organization, we have started public recitation programs of Hanuman Chalisa every week in every temple. In Pusad of Jalgaon district, daily Hanuman Chalisa recitations are being conducted simultaneously at 25 temples at 6 in the morning.’’
Present Dignitaries: President of the Akhil Bharatiya Purohit Mahasangh, Mr. Satish Shukla; Dharma Prasarak of the Sanatan Sanstha, Sadguru Swati Khadye; Shri Madhukar Anna Gawande from Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Devasthan; Haribhaktparayan Nana Maharaj Shipalkar from Shrigonda Ahilyanagar’s Shri Ram Devasthan; Haribhaktparayan Prabhatai Bhong, head of Shri Krishna Temple in Ahilyanagar; Haribhaktparayan Sandeep Maharaj Pise from Bhakti Prasad Ashram; Mahant Mawajinath Maharaj from Shri Tuljabhavani Mata Temple Siddh Garibnath Math; President Mahant Haribhaktparayan Abhimanyu Maharaj Khade from Jnandarshan Gurukul, Shrikhetra Hanumangad; Haribhaktparayan Ghanshyam Maharaj Shinde from Shri Ram Temple in Shirapur; and Former President of Shri Tuljabhavani Pujari Mandal, Mr. Kishor Gangane, were present.
Special : During this parishad, the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’s ‘Core Team,’ district coordinators, deputy coordinators, as well as taluka-level coordinators and deputy coordinators were introduced from the stage.
Third ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad’ inaugurated at Shirdi with the presence of over 750 Temple Representatives!
“Other religions’ places of worship are not under government control; Hindu temples must be freed from government control!” – Pujya Ramgiri Maharaj, Ahilyanagar
Shirdi – In challenging circumstances, saints have preserved the culture of temples. In the present times, Hindus visit pilgrimage sites, but if the sanctity of these places is destroyed, they ignore them. Spirituality should be within every breath and every drop of blood. If Hindus remain inactive regarding their Dharma, life will become difficult in the future. Despite transactions worth billions of rupees, not a single mosque or church in India is under government control. Places of worship of other religions are not controlled by the government, but why are Hindu temples under government control? Therefore, Pujya Ramgiri Maharaj, the head of Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj Institution in Ahilyanagar, demanded that Hindu temples be freed from government control. He was speaking at the opening day of the Third ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad (Maharashtra Temple Trust Conference)’, organized at Shri Sai Palkhi Niwara, Shirdi, by the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, Shri Jivdani Devi Sansthan, Shri Jyotirling Bhimashankar Devasthan, Shri Sai Palkhi Niwara, and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. Over 750 invited trustees, representatives, priests, lawyers fighting for the protection of temples, scholars, and others from across Maharashtra participated in this conference.
The conference began with a lighting of the lamp by Pujya Ramesh Giri Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Bet Kopargaon (Maungiri Ji Maharaj Samadhi Temple), Pujya Raghveshwaranand Giri Maharaj, Head of Shri Kshetra Raghveshwar Devasthan, Sadguru Satyavan Kadam of Sanatan Sanstha, Shri Girish Shah, President of Samast Mahajan Sangh, Shri Pradeep Tendolkar, President of Shri Jivdani Devi Sansthan, and Shri Sunil Ghanwat, National Organizer of Mandir Mahasangh. Following this, Sadguru Satyavan Kadam read a message from H.H. Dr. Jayant Athawale, founder of Sanatan Sanstha, which emphasized, “To truly bring Ram Rajya to India, it is essential for each temple to revive the temple culture necessary for the protection of the nation and religion.”
Welcome Address : Shri Pradeep Tendolkar welcomed the attendees, stating, “The preservation of temples is the work of God, and it is by God’s grace that we have come together for this cause. The work done by the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh in the last 3 years has been remarkable. This conference provides a platform for all trustees to come together.”
Functional Review of the Federation’s Work: The National Organizer of the Mandir Mahasangh, Shri Sunil Ghanwat, gave a review of the Mahasangh’s activities. He further remarked, “In the Lok Sabha elections, religious extremists determined their strategy in mosques. They issued fatwas about who to vote for. Then, why can’t the strategy for Hinduism and the nation be decided in temples?” He stressed that if thousands of trustees unite and demand the liberation of temples from government control, the government will have no choice but to grant it. He urged all trustees to think about how ‘Hindu unity can be achieved from their temples,’ as temples can also provide security to Hindus in the future.
“Only through temples can we create a nation-loving generation!”
Shri Girish Shah : “About a month ago, I visited the Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi. The arrangements there were excellent, and 10,000 to 20,000 pilgrims visit daily. Additionally, knowledge about culture and values is imparted. In fact, this knowledge has always been with us. Books from ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, along with our Vedas, Yoga, justice system, mathematics, and Ayurveda, all originated from our temple culture. In ancient Indian culture, Hindu temples were the gurukuls and educational centers. What is the situation now? We only claim that ‘this temple is ours,’ but there is nothing around it. We need to come out of this situation. Temples must provide the facility to conduct 15 out of 16 sacramental rites. If rites like Garbhadhan are conducted in temples, the future generations will grow up to be patriotic,” said Shri Girish Shah, President of Samast Mahajan Sangh, Mumbai.
“The protection of temples is a collective responsibility of every Hindu!”
Pujya Ramesh Giri Maharaj, Kopargaon : “In the current scenario, the proper management and preservation of monasteries, temples, and deities are the objectives of the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad. Sanatan Sanstha is also working for this cause. All Hindus must set aside their personal interests. Temples are collective centers of worship for Hindus, where group prayers, bhajans, and recitations are conducted. The destruction of such temples is an attack on Hinduism. Therefore, all Hindus should unite to raise the flag of Sanatan culture and work towards protecting temples,” appealed Pujya Ramesh Giri Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Bet Kopargaon (Maungiri Ji Maharaj Samadhi Temple) during the conference.
Temple Scholar Shri. Sandeep Singh said, : “It is essential to understand that temples are not a means of earning income but are centers of devotion. Temples are the backbone of our economy. While many industrial cities around the world are declining, cities with pilgrimage centers like Ujjain, Pataliputra, Rameswaram, and Kashi have remained alive for thousands of years because they were all dependent on the economy of temples. The economy of this country stands on temples.”
“Temples should also take up the role of protecting religion alongside imparting religious education!”
Sadguru Swati Khadye, Sanatan Sanstha : “Temples have played a significant role in transforming Hindu society from birth-Hindus to practicing-Hindus. Temples are the foundation of Hinduism. Therefore, in the context of protecting religion, some actions should be taken by temples according to their capacity. This foundation will truly stand strong when temples take concrete steps in the protection of religion and spread awareness. If temples are to become centers for religious education in the future, it is essential for them to also take on the role of protecting religion,” said Sadguru Swati Khadye of Sanatan Sanstha.
Key Dignitaries Present: Shri Ranjit Sawant, Chairman of Swatantraveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, Mumbai; Shri Bhauseheb Waghchoure, MP from Shirdi constituency; Shri Suresh Kaudre, Advocate of Shri Jyotirling Bhimashankar Devasthan; Former Charity Commissioner Shri Dilip Deshmukh; Shri Tushar Kawde, Vice-President of Shri Vighnahar Ganpati Devasthan Trust from Ozar; Shri Ashok Devaram Ghegade, Manager; Shri Rajendra Khede, Trustee of Jejuri; Mrs. Sangeeta Tai Thakar, Trustee of Kasba Ganapati, Pune; Shri Tushar Patil, Trustee of Ranjangaon.
On this occasion, Shri Bhauseheb Waghchoure, MP from Shirdi, stated, “In the past few years, I have renovated over 550 temples, and I have decided to continue the restoration of more temples in the future.”
Special Incident at the Conference: The desecration of the idol at Shri Mahadev Temple near Punatamba, Shirdi, was condemned at the conference, and a demand for strict action against the culprits was made to the state government.
