Vijayawada: A large group of religious leaders, devotees and activists on Sunday (January 5) attended the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP’s) Haindava Sankharavam – an event advocating for increased autonomy of Hindu temples across Andhra Pradesh.

VHP international working president Alok Kumar said the event represented the ‘collective voice of the Hindu community’ and was a declaration of its intent to regain control over religious affairs.

“Temples are the lifeblood of the Hindus,” VHP national vice president Gokaraju Gangaraju said, adding that non-believers and atheists should not hold roles within temple administrations.

The leaders emphasised the need for Hindus to protect temples from perceived threats or external interference. The event featured prominent Telugu spiritual leaders, seers and scholars who expressed concerns about the state of Hindu temples and traditions.

The assembly marks the beginning of a broader campaign for nationwide self-governance in religious affairs.

Attendees at Haindava Sankharavam. Photo: X/@VHPDigital

Demand for autonomous trusts

The primary demand at the event was the transfer of Hindu temple management from the state government to autonomous trusts managed by members of the Hindu community.

Speakers at the event described Hindu temples as more than places of worship, emphasising their role as cultural, spiritual and community hubs. Organisers characterised the campaign as an effort to challenge what they perceive as colonial-era policies that continue to allow state control of Hindu temples, contrasting this with the greater autonomy reportedly granted to institutions of other faiths.

The campaign stems from dissatisfaction among some members of the Hindu community with the current system of government control over Hindu temples. Speakers at the event cited alleged misappropriation of funds, corruption, mismanagement of resources, political interference and erosion of traditional rituals and customs. They claimed that these factors have affected the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of temples.

Financial challenges

The appointment of non-Hindus to roles within temple administrations was among the key issues raised at the event. Attendees argued that this undermines Hindu traditions and devotees’ sentiments. Speakers also claimed that the current system has left many temples underfunded and poorly maintained.

Speakers criticised the state government’s practice of collecting a fixed percentage of temple revenues,........

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