In a landmark gathering titled Haindava Shankaram, prominent Hindu leaders, spiritual heads, and activists came together to raise a clarion call for the liberation of Hindu temples from government control, the preservation of Sanatana Dharma, and the rejuvenation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The historic event drew a staggering crowd of over 3 lakh people from across Andhra Pradesh, with participants arriving in special trains, buses, and personal vehicles.
The event featured spiritual.and social speakers, including Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, Sri Govind Giri Maharaj,Sri Virajanand Swamiji, Sri Kamalananda Bharati Ji, Sri Alok Kumar Ji (International President, VHP), Sri Milind Parande Ji (General Secretary(Org) VHP), Sri.Koteshwara Sharmaji(VHP joint Gen.Sec),Sri L.VSubramanyam ji(former Chief Secretary, A.P),Àmmà Kondaveeti Jyothirmayi ji, and Sri Anantha Sreeram, among others. Each speaker shed light on pressing issues ranging from temple mismanagement to cultural distortions in modern media, urging Hindus to unite and take collective action to safeguard their spiritual and cultural legacy.
Sri Gokaraju Rangaraju ji presided this huge gathering meeting.
पूज्य संतों की अगवानी से विजयवाड़ा में प्रारंभ हुआ मंदिरों के सरकारी अधिग्रहण से मुक्ति का जागरण अभियान #HaindavaSankharavam pic.twitter.com/VMXWE2dBqS
— Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) January 5, 2025
Temples as Spiritual Centers of Rejuvenation
Govinda Dev Giri Swamiji opened the session and further elaborated on the societal role of temples, describing them as centers for education, healing, and moral preservation. “Temples are not just places of worship; they are the custodians of our values and traditions. Protecting these sacred spaces is both our duty and our privilege,” he remarked.
He recalled how Ayodya temple is being managed by trust and how effectively it is a managing it’s affairs.
Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji emphasising the importance of temples as spiritual recharge centers. “Just as a mobile phone requires recharging, our souls find renewal through temples. If these sacred spaces are not maintained and managed properly, society risks disarray,” he said. Swamiji stressed the need for local community involvement in temple management and called for the eradication of corrupt practices that undermine temple sanctity.
Call for Temple Liberation
International President of VHP, Alok Kumar Ji, delivered a fiery address on the systematic exploitation of Hindu temples under government control. He criticised the Endowments Acts, highlighting how they have stripped Hindu temples of autonomy while leaving institutions of other religions untouched. “The removal of the word ‘Hindu’ from the ‘Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act’ is a direct attack on our identity,” he asserted. Alok Kumar Ji urged Hindus to demand legislative reforms to free temples from government control and ensure their management remains rooted in Hindu traditions.
आज की सभा राज्य सरकारों को चेतावनी देने की है हमारे मंदिर वापस करो :@AlokKumarLIVE
#HaindavaSankharavam pic.twitter.com/O85ALEJCRP
— BajrangDal (@BajrangDalOrg) January 5, 2025
Milind Parande Ji echoed these sentiments, pointing out that outdated laws have stifled the autonomy of temples even decades after independence. He announced a nationwide campaign by the VHP to mobilize community support for temple liberation, emphasizing the need to restore temples as centers of societal welfare.
Addressing Societal Challenges
The discussion opened with a strong emphasis on the mismanagement of Hindu temples, led by Koteswara Sarma, joint general secretary of VHP. He detailed the decades-long struggle to free Hindu temples from government control, citing how this mismanagement has resulted in misuse of funds, encroachment of lands, and dilution of spiritual practices. Historical examples like Simhachalam, Bhadrachalam, and Srisailam were highlighted to demonstrate how temple properties have been appropriated for non-religious purposes. Sarma elaborated on the misuse of authority by temple commissioners, who altered temple rituals, timelines, and leadership roles, often sidelining Hindu traditions. He emphasized that temples must be governed in accordance with Agama Shastra and managed by local Hindu communities. He also reminded the audience of the Justice Venkatrama Reddy Commission’s findings, which exposed widespread encroachments of temple lands and their conversion for government use, and called for urgent legislative reforms to protect Hindu temples across India.
He also proposed a resolutiion at the event, and it was passed uninimously with chanting “Om” by digantaries and attendees.
Resolutions and Way Forward
The event culminated in the passage of a significant resolution by the VHP, outlining a roadmap for temple liberation. Key points included:
Forming local committees to safeguard temple traditions and properties.
Lobbying for legislative reforms to end government interference in temple administration.
Empowering dharmic leaders to manage temples in accordance with Agama Shastra.
Mobilising community support for temple preservation and education. The event concluded with a unified pledge to restore the sanctity of Hindu temples and protect Sanatan Dharma. “Let us unite to preserve our temples, our values, and our way of life. Jai Shri Ram!” declared the leaders, inspiring the massive audience to take action.
Empowering Women in Dharma
Kondaveeti Jyothirmayi Amma called for women to reclaim their roles as custodians of spiritual knowledge and temple management. “The Vedas are not restricted to men; every woman must study them, understand her roots, and actively contribute to Hindu society,” she urged. Amma emphasized that women should lead from the front in temple administration and governance, ensuring Sanatana Dharma is preserved for future generations.
Combating Cultural Distortions
Lyricist Anantha Sreeram highlighted the distortion of Hindu culture in the film industry. He lamented the misrepresentation of Hindu epics and characters, such as Karna’s story and elements of the Ramayana, calling for a boycott of films that disrespect Hindu beliefs. “The film industry must stop exploiting our traditions for profit. It is time for us to stand against such distortions and demand respect for our faith,” he declared.
Andhra Pradesh as ‘Dev Bhoomi’
Kamalananda Bharati Ji proposed that Andhra Pradesh be recognised as a spiritual hub, or Dev Bhoomi, given its association with several incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He highlighted sacred sites like Srikakulam (Kurma Avatar), Tirumala (Varaha Avatar), and Mahendra Parvatham (Parashurama Avatar), calling for the creation of a spiritual corridor connecting these locations.
Koteshwar Ji raised concerns about attacks on temples, idol desecration, and the growing menace of love jihad. “Hindus must unite and stand firm against these challenges,” he declared, calling for collective action to protect Hindu identity.
He criticized the branding of attackers as “mentally ill” to shield them from accountability and demanded stricter measures to ensure temple safety.
The event witnessed an impressive lineup of speakers on the dais, including Tanikella Satya Ravi Kumar, Govinda Dev Giri Swamiji, Papayya Sharma and his team, Gokaraju Gangaraju, L.V. Subrahmanyam (Retired IAS), Alok Kumar, Koteshwar Sharma, Kamalananda Bharati Swamiji, Kondaveeti Jyotirmayi Amma, Chegondi Ananta Sriram, Garikimukku Subbaiah, Kimudi Acchamma, Chedda Gopinath, Parre Koteshwara Rao, Sivananda Saraswati Mataji, Shiva Swamiji and Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji and many swamiji’s These revered sadhus and dedicated leaders have been tirelessly working on the ground, addressing crucial issues related to temple management, safeguarding Hindu traditions, and rejuvenating societal values. Their collective efforts and vision have been pivotal in inspiring communities to unite for the preservation of dharma and cultural heritage.
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