Udupi: Temple lands should remain with the temples. The government must take measures to ensure temples become centers for cultural and religious preservation for society. To achieve this, policies rooted in dharma should be implemented from the grassroots level, stated Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Sri Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati. He was responding to a query regarding controversies surrounding the Waqf Board.
During his visit to Karnataka’s coastal regions, he shared his insights in an exclusive interview with
Udayavani. He said, “Governments may come and go, but there is no alternative to Sanatana Dharma.”
Key Points from the Interview
Management of Temple Funds and Properties
The Swamiji emphasized the importance of fund management, maintenance, and regulation in temple administration. He said the donations and offerings received by temples must be managed responsibly. “In the past, kings exempted temples from taxes. Imposing taxes on temple properties now is inappropriate. Electricity concessions should be granted to temples,” he remarked.
Temple funds should not be viewed through a commercial lens. Instead, these funds must be utilized for cultural initiatives like Vedic schools, goshalas, music and sculpture schools, supporting artists, planting trees, and creating amenities like accommodations for priests and temple staff. He argued that temples deserve tax exemptions for such activities. Temple funds should also be used to build essential infrastructure for devotees, such as restrooms, dining halls, and accommodation.
PPP Model for Temple Administration
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Referring to the government’s role in temple management, the seer proposed a “Priest-Praja-Prabhutva” (PPP) model. He stated, “Governments should gradually hand over temple administration to devotees, similar to how transitional governance was implemented during India’s independence.” He called for increased public participation in temple management and urged the government to focus on facilitating the transition rather than direct involvement.
Misuse of Secularism
Swamiji criticized the misuse of the term “secularism” in the country, urging people to understand its correct meaning. He stated that the principles of democracy, from local governance to the Prime Minister’s office, are rooted in Sanatana Dharma. “Excessive misinterpretation of secularism has created a situation where even we, as citizens, feel excluded,” he said.
Support for Economically Weak Temples
Drawing inspiration from initiatives like the Vaishno Devi University in Jammu and Kashmir, the Swamiji suggested similar efforts to support economically weak temples in various states. He proposed that temples like Tirupati Venkateswara and Puri Jagannath extend financial and infrastructural support to smaller temples in their regions. He also emphasized using temple resources for activities like water conservation and establishing Vedic schools.
Encouraging Youth Participation
The Swamiji called upon the youth to shift their focus from being “Pravasi Bharat” (non-resident Indians) to “Nivasi Bharat” (resident Indians). He urged them to embrace the principles of “hard work and sweet words” while preserving family values. He highlighted initiatives in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to train young people in Sanatana Dharma under the “Sevagram Yojana.”
Opposition in Tamil Nadu
The Swamiji expressed concern over anti-Hindu policies in Tamil Nadu, stating that such opposition has persisted for over a century. “From 1920 to today, Tamil Nadu leaders have consistently spoken against Hindu traditions and culture. This is not new,” he remarked.
Translated version of Kannada article by Matapady Kumaraswamy 