Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 24: “Modern interpretations of existing laws have sometimes, been creating hurdles in taking forward religious observations handed through generations. Our country can achieve progress, only if religious contemplations and observations are given more importance. For example, most of the festivals in the country are celebrated after 10 pm, but as per law, people are barred from creating noise after 10 pm,” said Lakshminarayan Asranna of Kateel Goddess Durgaparameshwari temple.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of Devasthana Mattu Dharmika Samsthegala Mahasangha Karnata, an apolitical forum promoted by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. The Masangha's inaugural was held at Balambhat Hall in the city on Sunday January 23. The objective of the new organization is to prevent temples and other religious structures from being evicted or demolished.

“Temples are not commercial centres. An idol gets consecrated, only after the divine vibes of the site and other features are analyzed. These idols cannot be shifted to some other spot randomly and be installed there. The government, which has initiated the plan to demolish religious centres, should understand the religious beliefs and faiths that go with these structures. People who live in government lands for a few years are eligible to get their lands regularized. In such a case, why can’t the government regularize the lands on which temples have stood for hundreds of years?” he questioned.

Asranna felt that the funds the devotees put into the donation boxes of temples are not being used for purposes they wanted the money to go. He lamented the fact that this is happening only in case of Hindu temples, and not others.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti spokesperson, Mohan Gowda, noted that Hindu temples had come under the attack of Muslim and British invaders during their rule. He expressed displeasure at the fact that even now temples are facing the prospects of getting demolished, when our own people are ruling the country. President of Temples and Religious Institutions Federation, Madhav Kamath, felt that there is a need to put brakes on the initiatives of the government to raze temples down. Secretary, Ramanand, said that those who want to fight out the demolition drive will be provided free legal aid.

The meeting passed various resolutions including demanding the government to take the temple committees into confidence before deciding as to whether they are regular or not, according protection to temple properties, and demanding the government to bear losses inflicted on temples in cases of desecration of idols, thefts, etc.

Kerala regional protection committee president, Ravish Tantry, vice president of the Sangha, Lakshmish Gabladka, treasurer, Anant Kamath, and others were present.