The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is currently the site of a major gathering of Hindu saints, with a central topic of debate being the call to remove government control from Hindu temples. This important meeting, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), brings together influential religious leaders from all over India. The discussions, set to occur between January 24th and 27th, focus on the future of temple management.
The VHP’s Margdarshak Mandal, a group of guiding leaders, has made it clear that “freeing temples” is a top priority. In addition, they plan to discuss Hindu claims on certain sites that are currently held by Muslims. These claims over disputed religious places have often led to conflict and are expected to be a major point of conversation during the gathering. A source within the VHP confirmed that the issue of temple management is at the forefront of their agenda.
For a long time, many religious groups have pushed for Hindu temples to be managed by religious organizations rather than the government. Those who support this change argue that religious institutions should be governed by those who belong to the faith. The outcomes of this meeting could significantly change the way Hindu religious sites are managed and could also intensify debates around other religious places that have been the subject of historical disputes.
The VHP is also planning to discuss other controversial matters, including Hindu claims over sites like the Sambhal mosque and the Ajmer Dargah. These locations have been historically disputed, often resulting in increased tensions and public concern. Consequently, these discussions are likely to attract significant attention from both the public and media.