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 held at Kesarapalli, Vijayawada on January 5 drew a staggering crowd of over 3 lakh people from across Andhra Pradesh, with participants arriving in 13 special trains, hundreds of buses, and thousands of personal vehicles.
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
Excerpts from the speeches:
Gokaraju Rangaraju, President of Haindava Shankaravam, and former BJP MP from Andhra Pradesh:
“For thousands of years, our temples have been subjected to attacks and plundering. Temples are the lifeblood of Hindus and should be protected. Many struggles, sacrifices, and offerings have been made for the protection of temples. If temples were in the hands of Hindus, their management would be religiously oriented. The recent incidents of attacks on temples have disturbed us. We demand the governments to remove non-believers and atheists as employees or board members in temple trusts. This event is the first of its kind in Bharat, marking the beginning of a struggle for the liberation of temples.”
Swami Govind Giri Maharaj, treasurer, Ram Janmbhoomi Trust :
“This awakening of Hindus is crucial to protect their Sanskriti and their religion. If the entire world is to be happy, then Bharat must be protected. To protect Bharat, Hindu Dharma must be safeguarded, and only then will the world experience well-being. Our entire tradition has always strived for the welfare of the world and continues to achieve the pinnacle of effort.
“Five most important pillars of Indian culture: the preservation of our scriptures, the protection of our sages, the safeguarding of the sacred cow (Gau Mata), upholding our pilgrimage traditions, and the protection of our temples. These pillars form the foundation of our cultural and religious identity, ensuring the continuity of our rich heritage for future generations.
The trust of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya manages lakhs of devotees every day, overseeing construction efforts and its financial affairs with complete transparency. This management clearly demonstrates that Hindu society is ready to manage its own affairs, in accordance with our traditions.”
Kamalanda Bharati, head of Bhuvaneshwari Peetham:
“The Hindu society must unite and become like Lord Krishna’s Sudarshana Chakra—resolute and unstoppable. This huge gathering and vibrant participation by Hindus in Andhra Pradesh stands as evidence and spirit similar to Ayodhya Karasevaks witnessed in 1990’s.
Andhra Pradesh should be recognised as a spiritual hub, or Dev Bhoomi, given its profound association with several incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Sacred sites such as Srikakulam, the abode of Kurma Avatar, Tirumala, the land of Varaha Avatar, and Mahendra Parvatham, linked to Parashurama Avatar, hold immense spiritual significance. I propose the creation of a spiritual corridor connecting these divine locations to celebrate and preserve this heritage.”
He concludes by urging devotees to question the government’s motives in encouraging the Hundi (offering box) system in temples and siphoning off the funds.
Sri Milind Parande Ji (General Secretary (Org) VHP):
For the past 200 years, these temples were largely under foreign control, and unfortunately, even after independence, the wrongful practice of government control over temples continued. Therefore, for the revival of Hindu pride and the upliftment of Hindutva, it is essential to free Hindu temples from government control and entrust their management to the Hindu community itself.
There is a need for guidance from temples and revered saints on this matter as well. If the Hindu society itself does not survive, neither our motherland, temples, saints, nor priests will be safe. Only if Hindu society exists, and if it remains deeply rooted in its religious values, can the security of all these be ensured. This is why the promotion of religion, the strengthening of cultural values, the eradication of social evils, and the expansion of Hindu families are all essential. To achieve this, it is crucial that temples remain in the hands of the Hindu society. Temples should serve as centers for enlightening society on these issues. With this objective in mind, following today’s program, the VHP is taking the lead in this noble mission across India.
Alok Kumar ji, President VHP:
This grand assembly declares the collective resolve of the Hindu society—that the decision has been made. In a democracy, it is the people who decide what should happen, and the people have now decided that all state governments must return Hindu temples to the Hindu community. This matter dates back nearly 200 years to the time of the East India Company. During their rule, and later under British governance, numerous surveys were conducted. The reports from Tamil Nadu and Bengal, which are still available, reveal that every temple used to have a gurukul (traditional school) and a gaushala (cowshed).
विहिप अध्यक्ष आदरणीय श्री आलोक कुमार जी ने सरकारों को स्पष्ट संदेश देते हुए आज कहा कि मंदिरों की मुक्ति तक हमारा अभियान जारी रहेगा… @AlokKumarLIVE#HaindavaSankharavam pic.twitter.com/foDAeLFWzw
— Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) January 5, 2025
The British realized that in order to weaken the unity of Hindu society, they would have to disrupt the functionality and sanctity of Hindu temples, which were the centers of everyone’s lives. As a result, they took control of these temples. The government began managing the temples, a practice that continues to this day. However, the government does not manage mosques, gurudwaras, Jain temples, or Buddhist temples. It only manages Hindu temples—often for financial gain and political power—and operates them in a manner that goes against the very traditions of India.
Out of the 10 lakh acres of land donated to temples, much of it has either disappeared or been encroached upon, leaving temples with minimal income. Even the Tirupati temple is required to contribute 7% of its income to the government and 5% to the common good fund.
Once temples are reclaimed, they will not be placed under the control of any one group. They will be managed by the devotees themselves. Each temple will function according to its own traditions, practices, and the guidance of its spiritual leaders and scholars. Temples will return to being centres of devotion and culture, guided by the principles they were founded upon. A trust will be established to manage the temples, consisting of a community of devotees. The trustees will include at least one woman, one Scheduled Caste member, and one Scheduled Tribe member. This trust will have maximum freedom to manage the temple’s affairs. However, there will be one key requirement: transparency. The trust will be required to maintain a clear and open record of all income and expenditures. The budget and accounts will be accessible to the public.”
Koteshwara Sarma, Joint General Secretary of VHP:
“Who will manage the temples? Is it the VHP or the RSS?” To those asking this question, let me make it clear: temples will be managed by the Hindu society itself. The Hindu community has the strength and capability to handle this responsibility. There is no shortage of funds, nor is there a lack of managerial ability. Our society is filled with individuals who possess all the skills and resources required for this task.
The decades-long government control and mismanagement of temples have resulted in the misuse of funds, encroachment on lands, and the dilution of spiritual practices. Historical examples such as Simhachalam, Bhadrachalam, and Srisailam clearly show how temple properties have been appropriated for non-religious purposes. Temple commissioners have misused their authority by altering temple rituals, timelines, and leadership roles, often sidelining Hindu traditions.
Temples must be governed in accordance with Agama Shastra and managed by local Hindu communities. The Justice Venkatarama Reddy Commission exposed widespread encroachments on temple lands and their conversion for government use. This demands urgent legislative reforms to protect Hindu temples across India.”
“In the 1980s, Jeeyar Swamiji undertook a hunger strike demanding that the government relinquish its control over temples. However, the essence of this movement, initiated by Jeeyar Swamiji and Pejawar Swamiji, was not fully understood by the Hindu community at that time.
Later, Chinna Jeeyar Swami ji launched a significant movement in Tirupati against certain amendments made to temple administration. Unfortunately, despite the collective efforts of many, the movement did not achieve its goals and seemed to lose momentum.
It was then that Kamalananda Bharati Swamiji stepped in and played a crucial role in raising awareness about temple-related issues. He traveled extensively, village by village, creating awareness among the public. Through a Rath Yatra, he collected detailed information about temple properties and instances of encroachment. Swamiji also ensured that boards displaying temple property details were installed at temples, laying the foundation for a larger temple liberation movement.
The misuse of temple funds, however, is not new. The British government, building on the laws of the East India Company, formulated the Tamil Nadu Endowments Act, which marked the beginning of systematic mismanagement of temple resources. Subsequently, this led to the establishment of the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Endowments Departments. Even back then, the Supreme Court had clearly declared that the Endowments Acts were unconstitutional. Yet, these unconstitutional practices continued unchecked, further deepening the problem.
In 1987, following the Challa Kondaiah Commission report in then Andhra Pradesh, several amendments were introduced that completely took over temple affairs, with the role of Endowments Commissioners and executive officers overseeing everything.
We recently submitted the draft of the law related to granting autonomy to temples, which was prepared with the suggestions of the Hindu society, saints, lawyers, and seers, to Chief Minister Chandrababu. Later, we also discussed this matter with Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.”
L.V. Subrahmanyam, former Chief Secretary, of Andhra Pradesh:
“In 1987, the state government based on the Challa Kondaiah Commission’s recommendations amended laws under the pretext of temple restoration, which resulted in making an ‘Anaconda’—the Department of Endowments. The 1987 Act has caused irreparable damage to our temples and it Act struck a severe blow to priests and crippled the temple system; it was opposed by all religious leaders at the time. The recommendations, which included 160 amendments, were drafted by only three members of the six-member Commission and passed in the Legislative Assembly after just a four-hour discussion. Over 20,000 temples in our state have only nominal income, with significant revenue generated by just eight.
Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji:
“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,” stressed the need for local community involvement in temple management and called for the eradication of corrupt practices that undermine temple sanctity.
VIP darshan in temples like Tirupati creates an unjust disparity between the rich and the poor. The imposition of rules for darshan not only fosters inequality but also contributes to the rise in religious conversions by distancing people from the authentic spiritual experience. The current system, where the wealthy receive special privileges while the less fortunate are left waiting for days, goes against the fundamental principles of fairness and equality in religion.”
Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
“Every temple in this country has been built by great philanthropists, and it is our sacred duty to preserve these temples. Hindu culture is 5,120 years old, and even foreigners acknowledge that India is a divine land, a Devalokam.
“Let the call of Sanatana Dharma echo far and wide, reaching every corner of the world. Our prayers must reach the Supreme. A single powerful slogan has the strength to resonate in a region for decades, leaving a lasting impact.”
Sri Kondaveeti Jyothirmayi Amma:
“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.
Telugu Lyricist Sri Anantha Sreeram:
“The film industry is distorting Hindu culture. The misrepresentation of Hindu epics and characters, such as Karna’s story and elements of the Ramayana, is unacceptable. We must boycott films that disrespect our 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.”
The organizers announced a declaration at the Hindu Sankharavam platform on this occasion. The details are as follows:
1. Immediate amendments must be made to grant full autonomy to Hindu temples.
2. Until the law is amended to give autonomy to Hindu temples, the government must take immediate action to ensure that rituals, offerings, and services in temples are carried out with utmost devotion and quality.
3. Non-Hindu employees working in Hindu temples and service organizations managed by temples should be immediately removed.
4. Only apolitical religious individuals who practice Hindu dharma with devotion should be appointed to Hindu temple trust boards.
5. The government must take responsibility for ensuring Hindu temple properties are not encroached upon, and for recovering any encroached properties and returning them to the temples.
6. The income of Hindu temples must be used exclusively for Hindu religious outreach, social welfare for the Hindu community, and religious services. It should not be used for government activities.
7. The government and public representatives should not attempt to provide protection to those who are unjustly and illegally attacking Hindu society, temples, properties, and institutions in various ways. Strict action should be taken against the offenders, ensuring they are punished.
8. The government should not impose illegal restrictions or financial burdens on festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Hanuman Jayanti. Before these festivals, the government must consult with Hindu religious leaders and institutions to make decisions regarding the management of the celebrations.
9. The government should not impose illegal restrictions on the procession routes, timings, dates, and methods for Hindu deity processions and shobha yatras.”
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.
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