Shimla: The temple control debate found a fresh voice in the hills on Thursday as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Organisational General Secretary Milind Parande addressed the media in Shimla, calling for a law in Himachal Pradesh to transfer the management of temples from the government to the Hindu community.
Parande argued that it is not the role of the state to run religious institutions, claiming that even the Supreme Court of India has, on multiple occasions, expressed the view that governments should not directly administer temples.
He alleged that Hindu temples across the country, including in Himachal, face “discriminatory control,” while mosques and churches remain outside direct state management.
Raising the issue of temple revenues, he claimed that hundreds of crores collected annually in temple donations should be used strictly for religious purposes, including rituals, service to devotees, and promotion of Hindu traditions.
“Funds offered by devotees for deities must be spent only for religious purpose, temple upkeep, and related activities—not diverted elsewhere,” he said, reiterating the VHP’s position of “Hindu money for Hindu causes.”
Parande also revealed that the VHP has constituted a legal and intellectual panel comprising retired High Court chief justices, senior advocates, religious scholars, and seers to draft a framework on how states can legally hand over temple administration to Hindu Samaaj.
He said the organisation is engaging with chief ministers, legislators, and Members of Parliament across the country to build consensus on the issue and push for state-level legislation.
He added that the VHP is running a nationwide awareness campaign on the matter and expects state governments to adopt suitable laws to “free temples” from state control.
Later in the day, Parande also delivered a talk “Himalayan Voice” at the iconic Gaiety Theatre, where he shared the Munch with Atul Kaushik (SM, VSM), chief guest issues of cultural and civilisational significance in the Himalayan region.
#VHP #Shimla #TempleManagement #HimachalPradesh #HinduIssues
