11 November, 2024; Prominent spiritual storyteller Devkinandan Thakur recently made a powerful statement advocating for the construction of a temple at Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, calling it a long-awaited demand of Hindus nationwide. He emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of Krishna Janmabhoomi, urging for its development to honor the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Devkinandan also voiced the need for establishing a “Sanatan Board” to oversee matters pertaining to Hindu temples and cultural heritage. This board, he proposed, would help safeguard Hindu religious interests and ensure fair administration of sacred sites. “There is a need for a dedicated board that can protect the Sanatan dharma values and interests,” he stated, indicating the board could serve as a centralized body that oversees temple management and rituals while respecting the sanctity of Hindu traditions.
In his remarks, Devkinandan raised concerns about temple administration, pointing out that people who lack faith are managing crucial religious sites, including the Tirupati temple. Expressing disappointment, he referred to incidents of alleged mismanagement at Tirupati, where “those without faith are working.” He further added that anyone involved in adulterating the Prasad at Balaji should be held accountable, underscoring the need for strict measures to preserve the purity and sanctity of temple offerings. Such occurrences, he noted, deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees who revere the Prasad as sacred.
Criticizing previous governments, Devkinandan highlighted a pattern of mismanagement and misuse of temple funds, suggesting that resources meant for religious and spiritual purposes had often been diverted. According to him, this issue has undermined the religious ethos of several temples across the country.
In response to these pressing issues, Devkinandan announced plans to organize a Dharma Sansad on November 16, where Hindu religious leaders and scholars will gather to discuss matters affecting Hindu temples and cultural heritage. The Dharma Sansad is expected to provide a platform to address concerns over temple management, the proposed Sanatan Board, and other critical issues facing the Hindu community today.
This statement has resonated strongly with the Hindu community, sparking discussions about temple administration, the preservation of religious sites, and the need for a dedicated governing body to uphold Hindu traditions. Devkinandan’s statement has also sparked a call to action among community leaders who believe in restoring and preserving the sanctity of Hindu sacred sites and practices.
