Pic: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 24: "The government has undertaken governance of some temples. That should be revoked. If the government tries to take over temples and maths, the situation is bound to go out of control like it did at Parthasarathy temple in Guruvayoor. People give their offerings to God or math and the math has complete right over the offerings of devotees. Further, there is no allotted budget for temples," said general secretary of VHP Champat Rai.

He was addressing a press meet at the conclusion of day one of Dharma Sansad that began here on Friday November 24.

Regarding the issue of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, he said, "We believe that Lord Sri Rama lived and he still exists in Ram Janmabhoomi. It is a matter of faith and faith is law. We are not only going to construct Ram Mandir but also going to install his idol at the same place.

"As the Swamiji has given a specific time frame of one year to take up the work of building Mandir, let the Supreme Court decide purely on the basis of law and give us our right.

"There is no bargaining when it comes to building Ram Mandir. We are not going to allow the construction of cultural centre or mosque at the place. Ram Mandir will be built only at Ayodhya," he asserted.

Regarding mediation of third party, Champath Rai said, "There are rumours that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji’s mediation is sought to settle the dispute peacefully. But this is not true. Sadhus have declared their determination of building Ram Mandir."

Speaking about the division between Veerashaivas and Lingayats, he said, "It is not a big issue. It will be resolved once they have face-to-face interaction."

"The first Dharma Sansad was held in 1984 at Delhi Vijyan Bhavan. The second summit was held in 1985 in Udupi and the third summit was held in 1989 at Allahabad. This is the 15th Dharma Sansad being held in Udupi. Sadhus and saints have arrived from various states belonging to different different communities who worship different gods. They should understand the existing problems. Dharma Sansad is being organized here to address such issues and find practical solutions," he said.

"Senior Pejawar Swamiji said that untouchability is like a 'Kalakoota poison' which is still in practice. This practice should be eliminated from society. The society should become free from all social evils. Sadhus and seers and math heads will deliberate on the issue and pass the message to public about the evil practice of untouchability.

"Female foeticide is the next social menace which needs to be stopped. This issue and many other major issues will be discussed tomorrow (Saturday November 25). India is a country with unity in diversity. We have different religions and cultures. Hindu dharma will think about strengthening these aspects," Champat Rai added.

Surendra Kumar, joint general secretary of VHP was present.