Pejawar seer moots Ayodhya-like trusts for temples instead of govt’s control

Mangaluru: Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji, the pontiff of Pejawar Mutt, has advocated for the establishment of trusts similar to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, to oversee the management of every Hindu temple across the country.
The swamiji, who is also a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, emphasised the importance of entrusting temples to Hindu trusts to prevent any irregularities, citing the recent laddu incident at the Tirupati temple as an example.He believes that such a move is crucial to ensure the proper management and functioning of these sacred institutions.
"We know that the Supreme Court had on an earlier occasion made a similar suggestion. Other religions have the freedom to manage their religious shrines, but even after many decades of Independence, most of the Hindu temples are under the govt's control. Hindus have their own rules and regulations when it comes to religious practices. Hence, those who follow and respect the religious practices should oversee the management of the temples. As per the Supreme Court's guidance, all Hindu religious shrines should be returned to Hindus and ensure the same freedom that other religions have in the management of their shrines," he said.
In every village, we have several temples, which are managed by trusts. However, all ancient Hindu temples are under the govt's control. Let Ayodhya-like trusts be formed for all such temples in India, he said.
On the safety and standard of prasadams served in temples, the pontiff said that it is not just limited to temples; every citizen has the right to receive quality food. The govt needs to make its machinery function properly to ensure the safety and standards of food, he said, also suggesting that temples should think of opening gaushalas to produce milk and ghee if possible.
On the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the pontiff said that the second phase of work had already begun soon after the idol installation and it may take at least one and a half years for completion.
To a query on the roof leak reported during the first rain at the temple in Ayodhya, the pontiff said that repair work had already been taken up immediately.