#YearOfTemples – Statement of Purpose

#YearOfTemples – Statement of Purpose

So, what do we intend to do with the #YearofTemples campaign? Here’s our broad statement of purpose:

Our first goal has three facets:
1. Awareness of the effects of State Control of Temples.
2. Advocacy, through examples, that Hindus can and must run their own religious institutions.
3. Consensus building on Temple Management framework.

We will begin by limiting our focus to the temples of Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha & Maharashtra and gradually broaden the scope to other states.

Awareness will consist of a two-way flow of information. We’ll share facts on the condition of Temples in each state, post updates on the progress of cases in the courts & seek information from people on the ground about the condition of temples under state control. Awareness would also include information on loss of heritage through the stealing of murtis and other valuables and artifacts from our temples.

On the advocacy front also, the information will flow both ways. We’ll report positive cases where temples are flourishing under community ownership as well as crowd-source info on the same. We will showcase examples where the community has benefited from a flourishing and self-managed temple ecosystem. We will also highlight the phenomenal charitable work undertaken by temples and their affiliated institutions. Further, we will endeavour to dispel the politically expedient myth that the temple is a Brahminical/Savarna bastion, by showcasing the contribution of various groups within the Hindu fold to the Temple ecosystem as well as how these groups have benefited from being a part of the said ecosystem. In short, advocacy is aimed at dispelling the myths that freeing temples from state control would lead to chaos and uncertainty regarding temple-management and also that only the Hindu community is somehow incapable of running its own religious institutions.

Coming to the final and most important aspect, consensus building is a pre-emptive response to the inevitable question: “What happens after the temples are free from state control?” We’ll share the views & opinions of experts, dharmagurus & mathadhipatis on matters of administration of temples once they are freed. The idea is to involve people in the debate so as to widen the net of participation in this vital but largely unattended concern of Hindu society.

After having addressed the issue of State Control, we’ll focus on temples & temple properties that have been encroached upon by non-State actors with or without the connivance of the State. This would involve dispelling pernicious myths surrounding the Ramjanmabhoomi & similar cases. Again, this will be a two-way flow of information.

We request our well-wishers to be patient with us in rolling out this campaign and ensure that it results in a coherent & concerted chorus as opposed to just noise. Please support us in making the campaign a success so that we achieve the goal of Temple Freedom in a time-bound manner, instead of allowing it to fester for decades.

Comments

  • Ajit

    March 22, 2018

    I am with you

    Reply
  • Saravana Kumar

    March 30, 2018

    Great initiative!!! Hats off to the people behind this initiative… Hindu renaissance is very need of the hour as there are concerted efforts from various directions against Sanathana Dharma.

    Reply
  • Dr Rama Krishnan

    March 30, 2018

    Thank you all for the fantastic work you are doing.
    I have been living in Sydney, Australia for over forty years and I visit Chennai regularly. Maybe I could meet you guys on my next visit to Chennai??
    Ishwara blessings and thank you once again 🙏

    Reply
  • Sandeep chib

    December 13, 2018

    I am also very concerning about our culture.
    Thanks 2 u and ur team.
    We are being like a bubble which will comeup and realise the real Dharm of universe

    Reply

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