Temple Autonomy Now: Swami Kamalananda Bharati's Clarion Call at Haindava Shankharavam
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Swami Kamalananda Bharati, the head of Bhuvaneshwari Peetham, strongly condemned government interference in the administration of Hindu temples, emphasizing that such interference would no longer be tolerated. Speaking at the "Haindava Shankharavam" organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) near Kesarapalli, Vijayawada, on Sunday, Swamiji called on the Hindu community to unite as Krishna Paramatma's Sudarshana Chakra in their fight for temple autonomy. He demanded the immediate abolition of the Endowments Department, asserting that temples, which were historically built and supported by kings, citizens, and zamindars, should not be subjected to government control or commercial exploitation. Swamiji expressed his disapproval of the practice of selling temple tickets, likening it to the commercialization of movie tickets.
He also pointed out the overwhelming response from thousands of Hindus gathered in Vijayawada, showcasing their commitment to liberating temples from government control. He highlighted the recent removal of the term "Hindu" from temple boards in Telugu states and urged the community to hold the government accountable for such actions. Swamiji criticized the public's silence regarding the mismanagement of temples, urging the community to actively question and challenge the government on temple affairs. Drawing attention to the example of Ram Temple lands in Shamirpet, which were sold despite public protests, he accused the government of encroaching on temple lands and using temple hundis to siphon off funds. He called on Hindus to confront the government and demand accountability for the exploitation and mismanagement of temple resources, stressing the urgent need for immediate reforms in temple administration.
He also pointed out the overwhelming response from thousands of Hindus gathered in Vijayawada, showcasing their commitment to liberating temples from government control. He highlighted the recent removal of the term "Hindu" from temple boards in Telugu states and urged the community to hold the government accountable for such actions. Swamiji criticized the public's silence regarding the mismanagement of temples, urging the community to actively question and challenge the government on temple affairs. Drawing attention to the example of Ram Temple lands in Shamirpet, which were sold despite public protests, he accused the government of encroaching on temple lands and using temple hundis to siphon off funds. He called on Hindus to confront the government and demand accountability for the exploitation and mismanagement of temple resources, stressing the urgent need for immediate reforms in temple administration.