Prayagraj: In a powerful call echoing across the Maha Kumbh 2025, the 70th head of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Shankaracharya Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, has reiterated the demand for freeing Hindu temples from government control. Asserting that temple revenue must be solely utilised for the promotion of Sanatana Dharma, he proposed an alternative governance model involving devotees (Praja), priests (Purohit), and temple caretakers (Pujari).
A Nationwide Demand Gains Momentum The call to free Hindu temples has been a growing movement, with various religious leaders, activists, and political figures joining the demand. Kanchi Seer’s endorsement adds significant weight to the cause. “Every Kumbh Mela has raised a demand that has been fulfilled over time. In 2013, it was the demand for the Ram Temple. Now, in Maha Kumbh 2025, the call to free temples has reverberated across the country,” he stated during an event at his camp in Sector 20.
The seer emphasized three primary demands:
- Restoration of all temples across India.
- Proper puja and rituals to be conducted in these temples.
- All income generated by temples should remain with them and not be diverted elsewhere.
He further stressed that temple revenue should be allocated for Sanatana Dharma’s propagation, Vedic education, the establishment of Gurukuls, protection of cows through Gaushalas, and support for classical arts and music.
PM Modi and Political Leaders Speak Out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Telangana’s Nizamabad on October 3, 2023, had also criticized government control over temples, alleging that state authorities were misusing temple funds while leaving places of worship of other communities untouched.
“In Tamil Nadu, the state government has taken over temples. These temples are being looted through a conspiracy involving governments. But they will not touch the places of worship of minorities. They don’t bring them under government control,” PM Modi had remarked.
Similarly, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai recently vowed that once the NDA comes to power in Tamil Nadu, all 44,121 temples currently under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act would be freed from government control. He stated that temple-generated revenues would be redirected toward civic and developmental projects surrounding the temples.
“The moment BJP assumes power in Tamil Nadu, the HR&CE department will cease to exist. If temples are allowed to function freely, we can use the funds for schools, engineering colleges, civic infrastructure, and even centers of scientific excellence,” Annamalai affirmed.
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Temple Mismanagement and Government Interference
Over the years, Hindu organizations and activists have flagged multiple issues regarding government control over temples. They allege mismanagement, misallocation of funds, illegal alienation of temple properties, poor maintenance, and disregard for Agama Sastras (traditional temple rituals and rules). Political interference has also been cited as a major concern.
There have been accusations that government policies, influenced by so-called appeasement tactics, restrict temple access by levying exorbitant entry fees, which disproportionately affect poor devotees.
Support from Religious Leaders and Activists The movement to free temples has found support among prominent spiritual leaders and organizations. Isha Foundation head Jaggi Vasudev, temple activist T.R. Ramesh, and the Hindu Munnani organization have been vocal proponents of temple autonomy.
Adding his voice to the cause, Janasena Party Chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently announced the formation of a dedicated party wing, the ‘Narasimha Varahi Brigade,’ focused on protecting Sanatana Dharma. Speaking on November 3, he stated: “I respect all religions, but I stand firm on my faith. Those who criticize Sanatana Dharma on social media or speak disrespectfully about it will have to face the consequences. This is why I am establishing a dedicated wing within our party named the ‘Narasimha Varahi Brigade’ for the protection of Sanatana Dharma.”
A New Temple Administration Model: The PPP Approach Shankaracharya Vijayendra Saraswathi has outlined a new governance structure for temples post-liberation. His proposed model, termed the ‘PPP’ approach (Praja, Purohit, and Pujari), envisions a three-tiered management system:
Praja (Devotees): The active participation of devotees in temple administration to ensure transparency and accountability.
Purohit (Priests): Priests would oversee rituals and uphold traditional practices.
Pujari (Caretakers): Temple caretakers would manage day-to-day operations and temple assets.
The seer believes that this “Triveni” model will not only rejuvenate Sanatana Dharma but also uplift the state of temples across the country.
“There should be a pujari in every panchayat and a temple like Tirupati in every village,” he suggested.
Youth Participation and Documentation of Kumbh Insights
Dismissing concerns about waning religious interest among youth, the Kanchi Seer emphasized that young people continue to show immense faith in Sanatana Dharma.
“I have seen many young boys and girls at Mahkumbh arriving in large numbers, applying tilak with full devotion. There is still strong faith in the country. By preserving Sanatana Dharma, we can strengthen democracy. A safe and spiritually enriched India will hold a significant place in the world,” he stated.
Additionally, he urged that all achievements and lessons from the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela be systematically documented to aid future planning for similar events. He suggested that neighboring states like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh contribute to the documentation process.
Economic Potential of Temple Autonomy Apart from spiritual and religious arguments, advocates of temple autonomy also highlight the economic potential of freeing temples from government control. They argue that temple revenues, if utilized effectively, could contribute significantly to India’s economic development.
Annamalai, in his statement, pointed out that temple wealth could be channeled into educational institutions, infrastructure, and research centers, making temples hubs of economic and cultural revival 🔗.
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