Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Calls for Vacating Temples Converted into Mosques

GG News Bureau
Prayagraj, 13th Jan. Raising the temple-mosque issue once again, Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, demanded that ancient temples “converted” into mosques across the country be vacated. The Akhara Parishad is an apex body of 13 monastic Hindu orders.

Speaking on Monday, Puri also clarified that there was no ban on Muslims visiting the Maha Kumbh, stating, “We have never banned Muslims from coming to the Kumbh. We have always welcomed them to witness our Sanatan Dharma and the work done by us.”

However, he emphasized that his opposition was against those who engage in acts like “love jihad” and “land jihad.”

Addressing the ongoing controversy, Puri further added, “During my tour for ‘dharma prachar’ across India, I noticed that the domes of most mosques resembled those of temples, and many had symbols of ‘Sanatan’ inside them. Around 80% of mosques are built on the sites of temples,” he claimed.

He continued, “We have appealed a thousand times for this. Ancient temples, which have been converted into mosques, should be vacated. We are ready to leave a temple that has been built over a mosque.”

Puri also discussed the upcoming ‘Dharma Sansad’ on January 27, where a proposal for the formation of a Sanatan Board, akin to the Waqf Board, will be discussed. This initiative aims to ensure the protection of Hindu temples and mathas.

Regarding the Kumbh Mela, Puri addressed comments by some Muslim clerics who suggested Muslims should not attend the event. He stated, “There is no such ban. We welcome all Muslims who wish to attend.”

On political matters, Puri accused the Congress party of attempting to weaken the ‘akhara’ system due to its pro-Muslim stance, alleging that the Narendra Modi government has strengthened the position of the akharas.

As the Maha Kumbh continues, Puri also mentioned changes in terminology, such as referring to the traditional ‘shahi snaan’ and ‘peshwai’ as ‘amrit snaan’ and ‘chhavni pravesh’ respectively, to reflect a more ‘Sanatani’ approach. The first ‘Amrit Snaan’ will take place on January 14, 2025, marking Makar Sankranti at 5:30 AM.

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