Togadia calls for freeing Hindu temples from state control

The three-day Dharma Samsad commenced with an attractive Shobha Yatre that began at Rajangana in Sri Krishna Mutt and culminated at Royal Garden near Kalsanka here on Friday.

The Shoba Yatre was led by RSS Sarsangchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Pejavar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Thirtha Swami and Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade.

A large number of seers, including Suttur mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami and Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami took part in the Shoba Yatre.

Pejavar mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Thirtha Swami inaugurated the 3-day Dharma Samsad by lighting a lamp.

In his address, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International Working President, Pravin Togadia, said, "The administration of Hindu temples by the government is against the Constitution and an insult to the secular ethos of the country. Let the government, which controls temples, try to control a mosque or a church," he said, and called upon the seers to fight towards freeing government control over temples.

He also stressed the need to work out a strategy towards implementation of ban on cow slaughter.

More than 2,000 seers saints and VHP leaders from across the country will take part in the three-day convention, during which the issues like construction of Ram temple, prevention of religious conversions, and cow protection will be discussed.

The convention will culminate with a meeting Samaj Pramukhs from across the state on November 26.